In Tenerife, resorts, beaches and nightlife are only part of the story. The island also has an unusual ecosystem of multiple microclimates (including mountains, deserts and a subtropical forest) which play host to more than 800 unique species of plants. Nature lovers will discover more than they could ever imagine amid the varying landscapes and plants that are found all over the island.
Unique Multiple Ecosystems
Along the coastline of Tenerife, you will find a lush Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine and just enough rainfall to maintain the flora that lives here. However, elsewhere on the island things are different. Mountain areas are covered in hardy pines, while the deserts are home to only the most resistant plants. In fact, the island has six distinct microclimates supporting a host of ecosystems. The result is a wide range of flora – something not usually found in such a compact area.
A Wonderful Array of Trees
While those staying in the Tenerife resorts may choose to shade themselves under palm trees, there are a wide range of species to choose from on the island, the dragon tree being the most distinctive. This unusual species is so important that it has been adopted as the symbol of Tenerife. The closely-grown branches of the tree, with their sharp, spiky leaves, can be seen all over, and some are reported to be more than one hundred years old. They are much-loved and local healers even claim the sap of the dragon tree has medicinal properties.
Another species to look out for if you are travelling through the mountainous region is the Canarian pine. Endemic to the island, these trees are said to be able to withstand the heat and damage of the occasional summer fires here.
One of the main draws for nature lovers are the laurel forests, which can also be found in the mountain regions. Believed to have existed in this area since the prehistoric era, they are home to a range of splendid flora including willows, wild orange trees and heaths.
Stunning Floral Displays
Of course, it is not just the trees which make an impact on the landscape here. Depending on what time of year you are visiting, the entire island can come ablaze with the colours of its beautiful wildflowers. During the spring, visitors can enjoy the dramatic cone-shaped red bugloss, which grows up to two metres tall. At the other end of the size spectrum are the small Teide violets which grow up in the mountains and carpet the ground in purple and mauve flowers.
Even when travelling through the seemingly inhospitable lava rock deserts, visitors will catch glimpses of colour during the spring, courtesy of the native flixweed. The bright yellow flowers of this shrub create a stunning juxtaposition from the dramatic volcanic landscape.
There is so much natural beauty here that it would be a missed opportunity to spend your whole holiday at the beach. Instead take a bit of time to discover the rich ecosystems and wonderful, varied flora of Tenerife – resorts and water sports can wait.
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in luxury Tenerife resorts, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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