Sonchus Hierrensis
ExplorePlants
Sonchus Hierrensis
sonchus hierrensis
Sonchus hierrensis, commonly known as the El Hierro sow thistle, is an extraordinary woody shrub endemic to the Canary Islands of El Hierro and La Palma. Unlike its common, weedy herbaceous relatives found across the globe, this species is a prime example of insular woodiness, a phenomenon where herbaceous lineages evolve into robust, shrubby forms in isolated island ecosystems. Growing up to two meters high, it features large, dramatic rosettes of deeply lobed leaves at the ends of thick branches, crowned by clusters of bright yellow flowers. This botanical marvel plays a vital role in its local ecosystem, providing abundant nectar for endemic pollinators and serving as a striking symbol of the unique evolutionary history of the Macaronesian archipelago.
Habitat: Found on steep rocky cliffs, volcanic slopes, and edges of laurel forests within the humid zones of El Hierro and La Palma.
Appearance
This robust, woody shrub typically grows between 100 and 200 centimeters tall, characterized by thick, greyish-brown branching stems that terminate in dense rosettes of large, deeply lobed (pinnatisect) leaves. The leaves are a vibrant green to blue-green color, up to 40 centimeters long, with sharply pointed but relatively soft teeth along the margins. During its blooming season, it produces a spectacular, branching inflorescence packed with numerous bright yellow flower heads, each resembling a large daisy-like dandelion bloom about 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusSonchus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite looking like a woody bush or small tree, it is actually a close relative of the common garden dandelion.
Its scientific name 'hierrensis' directly refers to the island of El Hierro, one of the primary locations where it evolved and thrives.
This species is a classic textbook example of 'island gigantism,' where herbaceous plants grow into large woody structures over evolutionary time.
Special abilities
Ability
Insular Woodiness
Evolved a sturdy, woody habit from herbaceous ancestors to better compete for sunlight and survive in temperate island climates.
Ability
Wind-Assisted Dispersal
Produces lightweight seeds equipped with a feathery pappus, allowing wind currents to transport them across steep volcanic ravines.
Ability
Drought-Resistant Stems
Features semi-succulent stems that store moisture, helping the plant survive dry periods on exposed rocky cliffs.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 100-200 cm
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
- Incubation
- 14-28 days
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential soil nutrients through photosynthesis.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil nutrients
Ecological connections
mutualism
Canary Island Bumblebee
Bombus canariensis
Pollinated by endemic bumblebees searching for nectar and pollen in the highland zones.
eaten by
El Hierro Giant Lizard
Gallotia simonyi
The leaves and young shoots are occasionally grazed by endangered local lizards.
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 Sonchus Hierrensis?
The easiest way to identify Sonchus Hierrensis is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Sonchus Hierrensis?
100-200 cm
How long does Sonchus Hierrensis live?
5-15 years
What does Sonchus Hierrensis eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential soil nutrients through photosynthesis.
Where is Sonchus Hierrensis usually found?
Found on steep rocky cliffs, volcanic slopes, and edges of laurel forests within the humid zones of El Hierro and La Palma.
How long do Sonchus Hierrensis eggs take to hatch?
14-28 days
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