Teide Violet

viola cheiranthifolia

The Teide Violet (Viola cheiranthifolia) is an extraordinary, resilient perennial plant found exclusively on the high-altitude volcanic slopes of Mount Teide on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Holding the record as the highest-flowering plant in Spain, it thrives in a harsh, alpine environment of volcanic ash and pumice, ranging from 2,000 meters to nearly the summit at 3,700 meters. This delicate-looking wildflower is a true survivor, enduring extreme temperature fluctuations, intense solar radiation, and severe drought.

Habitat: Found on high-altitude volcanic scree, pumice slopes, and rocky crevices of Mount Teide, often in barren, dry alpine conditions above 2,000 meters.

Appearance

The Teide Violet is a small, low-growing herbaceous plant, typically reaching heights of only 5 to 15 cm. It forms a dense rosette of small, spade-to-oval shaped leaves covered in fine, velvety hairs that give them a silvery-grey-green appearance to protect against UV rays. Its striking, spurred flowers feature five petals in a lovely blend of violet, pale mauve, white, and a bright yellow center, making them stand out starkly against the dark, barren volcanic soils of its habitat.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyViolaceaeGenusViola

Teide Violet

Interesting facts

It is the highest-altitude flowering plant in Spain, thriving at elevations up to 3,700 meters on the slopes of Mount Teide.

Its scientific name, 'cheiranthifolia', means 'leaves like a wallflower', referring to the unique shape of its foliage.

The species was famously studied and documented by the legendary Prussian naturalist Alexander von Humboldt during his expedition to Tenerife in 1799.

Special abilities

Dense, fine hairs cover its leaves, reflecting intense high-altitude ultraviolet radiation and reducing water loss.

Produces natural antifreeze proteins and sugars within its cells to survive freezing nightly temperatures alternating with hot daytime sun.

Possesses a deep, robust taproot system that stabilizes the plant in shifting volcanic scree and accesses scarce moisture deep below.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-15 cm
Lifespan: 2-5 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water while absorbing essential minerals from volcanic soils.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Volcanic minerals

Ecological connections

eaten by

Gallot's Lizard

Gallotia galloti

The Canary Island lizard feeds on the flowers and fruits of the violet, occasionally assisting in seed dispersal.

mutualism

Canary Island Bumblebee

Bombus canariensis

Pollinates the flowers of the Teide Violet, allowing the plant to reproduce in its harsh alpine environment.

eaten by

European Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

An introduced herbivore that heavily grazes on the Teide Violet, posing a major threat to its wild populations.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Teide Violet?

5-15 cm

How long does Teide Violet live?

2-5 years

What does Teide Violet eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water while absorbing essential minerals from volcanic soils.

Where is Teide Violet usually found?

Found on high-altitude volcanic scree, pumice slopes, and rocky crevices of Mount Teide, often in barren, dry alpine conditions above 2,000 meters.