Descurainia Bourgaeana

descurainia bourgaeana

Descurainia bourgaeana, locally known as "hierba pajonera," is a remarkable high-altitude shrub endemic to the Canary Islands, primarily thriving in the subalpine volcanic plains of Mount Teide in Tenerife and high elevations in La Palma. This resilient plant forms dense, dome-shaped cushions that endure extreme environmental conditions, including freezing winter temperatures, scorching summer heat, and dry, nutrient-poor volcanic soils. In late spring, it undergoes a spectacular transformation, erupting into a vibrant mass of bright yellow blossoms that blanket the caldera floors and rocky slopes. It plays a critical ecological role as a pioneer species, helping to stabilize loose volcanic ash and providing a vital nectar source for alpine pollinators.

Habitat: Found in high-altitude subalpine scrublands on dry volcanic pumice, lava flows, and rocky slopes, primarily at elevations between 2,000 and 2,500 meters.

Appearance

This species grows as a highly branched, dense, hemispherical shrub reaching heights of 40 to 100 centimeters. It features grayish-green, deeply divided, lobed leaves covered in fine, star-shaped hairs that give the foliage a velvety appearance and help reflect excess radiation. During its blooming season from May to June, the plant is completely covered with dense, erect clusters of small, four-petaled yellow flowers. After flowering, it produces narrow, upright seed pods (siliques) that eventually dry out, leaving a straw-like skeleton that persists through the winter.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusDescurainia

Descurainia Bourgaeana

Interesting facts

It is a resilient survivor of thermal shock, enduring temperatures below freezing at night and over 35 degrees Celsius during summer days.

Its common name 'hierba pajonera' (straw grass) refers to the dry, straw-like skeleton the plant turns into during the dry summer months.

The plant's vibrant yellow dome blooms are so dense and numerous that they can be easily seen from satellite imagery of Teide National Park during peak spring.

Special abilities

The dense, rounded cushion shape protects the inner stems from high wind damage and helps create a buffered microclimate that retains moisture.

Possesses a highly efficient root system that can anchor in loose volcanic pumice and extract sparse moisture and nutrients from young volcanic soils.

The fine, dense hairs covering its leaves reduce water loss from transpiration and shield the plant tissues from intense ultraviolet light at high altitudes.

Measurements & details

Length: 40-100 cm
Lifespan: 5-15 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own organic compounds using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

eaten by

Gallot's Lizard

Gallotia galloti

The endemic lizard feeds on the flowers and fruits of the plant, assisting in seed dispersal.

mutualism

Alluaud's Flower Bee

Anthophora alluaudi

The endemic solitary bee visits the flowers for nectar, acting as a primary pollinator.

eaten by

European Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Introduced European rabbits browse on the tender spring shoots and can cause localized damage.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Descurainia Bourgaeana?

The easiest way to identify Descurainia Bourgaeana is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Descurainia Bourgaeana?

40-100 cm

How long does Descurainia Bourgaeana live?

5-15 years

What does Descurainia Bourgaeana eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own organic compounds using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed from the soil.

Where is Descurainia Bourgaeana usually found?

Found in high-altitude subalpine scrublands on dry volcanic pumice, lava flows, and rocky slopes, primarily at elevations between 2,000 and 2,500 meters.

How does Descurainia Bourgaeana hunt?

Photosynthesis