Plantago Webbii
ExplorePlants
Plantago Webbii
plantago webbii
Plantago Webbii is a fascinating, hardy perennial shrub endemic to the high-altitude volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, particularly thriving in the subalpine zones of Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria. Growing as a low, dense, hemispherical cushion, this unique plant has adapted spectacularly to survive some of the most unforgiving environments in the archipelago, where intense solar radiation, dramatic temperature fluctuations, and drying winds dominate.
Habitat: Found in high-altitude volcanic scrublands and rocky slopes of the Canary Islands, typically above 1,500 meters.
Appearance
This species forms a compact, woody shrub reaching 10 to 40 centimeters in height. Its most striking feature is its dense arrangement of narrow, lanceolate leaves that are heavily blanketed in silky, silvery-white hairs, giving the entire plant a shimmering, pale sage-green appearance. During its flowering season, it sends up upright, cylindrical spikes packed with tiny, understated brownish-yellow flowers that rise above the foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPlantago
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite being a close relative of common lawn weeds, this plant has adapted to grow as a woody, long-lived shrub to survive rugged volcanic soil.
It is highly adapted to extreme temperature swings, enduring scorching daytime heat and freezing night temperatures in Tenerife's subalpine zone.
The dense silvery hairs covering its leaves act as a natural sunscreen, reflecting the harsh high-altitude UV radiation of the Canary Islands.
Special abilities
Ability
Silvery Sunscreen
A dense covering of specialized silky white hairs reflects intense high-elevation ultraviolet radiation and reduces moisture loss from transpiration.
Ability
Wind-Resistant Cushioning
The low-lying, tightly branched hemispherical growth form helps the plant withstand powerful mountain winds and trap moisture.
Ability
Volcanic Anchor Roots
An extensive, deep-reaching root system stabilizes the plant in highly unstable, porous pumice and loose volcanic scree.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-40 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.8 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-20 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through the process of photosynthesis.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Gallot's Lizard
Gallotia galloti
Feeds on the flowers and fruits of the plant, acting as a potential seed dispersal agent.
mutualism
Canary Island Bumblebee
Bombus canariensis
Visits the flowering spikes for pollen and nectar, acting as a primary pollinator.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Plantago Webbii?
The easiest way to identify Plantago Webbii is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Plantago Webbii?
10-40 cm
How much does Plantago Webbii weigh?
0.1-0.8 kg
How long does Plantago Webbii live?
5-20 years
What does Plantago Webbii eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through the process of photosynthesis.
Where is Plantago Webbii usually found?
Found in high-altitude volcanic scrublands and rocky slopes of the Canary Islands, typically above 1,500 meters.
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