Canary Island spurge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canary Island spurge |
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| Canary Island spurge close to the Mirador de Archipenque at Los Gigantes | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Euphorbia
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| Species: |
canariensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Euphorbia canariensis Forssk. |
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The Canary Island spurge (scientific name: Euphorbia canariensis) is a special plant found only on the Canary Islands. People also call it the Hercules club or cardón in Spanish. It's a type of succulent plant, which means it stores water in its thick stems, just like a cactus. This plant is so important to the island of Gran Canaria that it's actually its plant symbol!
What Does It Look Like?
The Canary Island spurge is a large, bushy plant that can grow up to 3 to 4 meters (about 10 to 13 feet) tall. It has thick, fleshy stems that look a lot like a cactus. These stems usually have four or five sides.
Stems and Spines
Instead of leaves, this plant has spines. These spines are about 5 to 14 millimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inches) long. The plant produces small, reddish-green flowers. It can even survive in cold temperatures, down to about -2°C (28°F).
Important Warning
The sap inside the plant, called latex, is poisonous. It contains special chemicals called diterpenes. Because of this, you should never touch the sap. If you see this plant, it's best to admire it from a distance!
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Spines on a young shoot
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Flowers
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Fruit
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Where Does It Grow?
The Canary Island spurge lives in the Canary Islands. You can find it along the narrow coastal areas. It grows from sea level all the way up to about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) high on the islands.
See also
In Spanish: Euphorbia canariensis para niños
- List of animal and plant symbols of the Canary Islands
