Canary Island Spurge

euphorbia canariensis

The Canary Island Spurge (Euphorbia canariensis) is a striking succulent plant, a true icon of the Canary Archipelago. It is a remarkable example of convergent evolution, having developed a cactus-like appearance despite not being related to cacti, a common adaptation to arid environments. This intriguing plant forms dense, candelabra-like clumps, dominating rocky landscapes and providing vital habitat for local fauna. Its unique biology and resilience make it a fascinating subject for both botanists and nature enthusiasts, embodying the adaptive power of island flora.

Habitat: Found predominantly on arid and semi-arid rocky slopes, coastal scrublands, and in ravines from sea level up to around 1000 meters across the Canary Islands.

Appearance

This euphorbia presents as a robust, shrub-like succulent with numerous upright, four-angled stems branching from a thick base, forming a distinctive candelabra shape. The stems are typically green to reddish-brown, segmented, and covered with small, dark, spine-like stipules along the ridges. Small, inconspicuous reddish-yellow flowers appear along the stem ridges. When broken, the plant exudes a milky white latex. It can reach impressive heights of 2 to 4 meters, creating an imposing presence in its natural habitat.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyEuphorbiaceaeGenusEuphorbia

Canary Island Spurge

Interesting facts

Despite its cactus-like appearance, the Canary Island Spurge is not related to cacti; this is an excellent example of convergent evolution due to similar arid environments.

Its milky white latex, historically used by islanders as a potent purgative and fish poison, is highly toxic and can cause severe skin and eye irritation.

Locally, this plant is often referred to as 'Cardón', referencing its robust, thorny, and imposing presence in the landscape.

The plant's distinctive candelabra form is a characteristic feature of the 'cardonal-tabaibal' succulent scrubland ecosystem unique to the Canary Islands.

Special abilities

Its thick, fleshy stems are highly adapted to store significant amounts of water, allowing it to survive prolonged dry periods characteristic of its island habitat.

The plant produces a milky white latex that contains irritant compounds, serving as an effective defense mechanism against most herbivores attempting to feed on it.

With greatly reduced leaves, the green, succulent stems are the primary sites for photosynthesis, efficiently converting sunlight into energy in its dry environment.

Measurements & details

Length: 100-400 cm
Weight: 5-50 kg
Lifespan: 20-100 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, the Canary Island Spurge produces its own food by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars, utilizing minerals absorbed from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Nitrates
Phosphates
Potassium

Foraging Method

Nutrient Absorption And Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

Mutualism

Canary Island Bee

Apis mellifera camerounensis

Pollinates the flowers, aiding in plant reproduction.

Eaten by

Wild Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Feeds on the plant's shoots and leaves, despite its latex.

Habitat provider

Canary Island Chiffchaff

Phylloscopus canariensis

Provides shelter and nesting sites within its dense, thorny growth.

Seed disperser

Gallot's Lizard

Gallotia galloti

Consumes fruits/seeds, potentially aiding in seed dispersal.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Canary Island Spurge?

The easiest way to identify Canary Island Spurge is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Canary Island Spurge?

100-400 cm

How much does Canary Island Spurge weigh?

5-50 kg

How long does Canary Island Spurge live?

20-100 years

What does Canary Island Spurge eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, the Canary Island Spurge produces its own food by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars, utilizing minerals absorbed from the soil.

Where is Canary Island Spurge usually found?

Found predominantly on arid and semi-arid rocky slopes, coastal scrublands, and in ravines from sea level up to around 1000 meters across the Canary Islands.

How does Canary Island Spurge hunt?

Nutrient Absorption And Photosynthesis