Tenerife Daisy
ExplorePlants
Tenerife Daisy
argyranthemum tenerifae
The Tenerife Daisy (Argyranthemum tenerifae) is a hardy, captivating perennial subshrub endemic to the subalpine zones of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Thriving in the high-altitude, barren volcanic landscapes surrounding Mount Teide, this resilient plant brings vibrant life to an otherwise lunar environment. With its sprawling cushion-like growth and abundant white-and-yellow blooms, it serves as a critical pioneer species that anchors shifting volcanic soils and supports local insect populations. Historically, this species has fascinated botanists due to its extraordinary ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, high solar radiation, and prolonged droughts. It stands as a symbol of evolutionary adaptation, demonstrating how members of the Asteraceae family can diversify and colonize extreme island niches. For nature enthusiasts visiting the Canary Islands, encountering a patch of these delicate daisies blooming amid the dark volcanic gravel of Teide National Park is an unforgettable highlight.
Habitat: Found in high-altitude volcanic scrub, rocky crevices, and pumice plains of the subalpine zone on Mount Teide.
Appearance
This species forms dense, rounded, woody-based cushions reaching 10 to 50 centimeters in height. Its highly divided, slightly succulent leaves have a distinctive grayish-green or glaucous hue, covered in tiny hairs that give them a silvery sheen. The flowers are classic daisy-like capitula, featuring a central disc of bright golden-yellow florets surrounded by a ring of pure white ray petals, creating a stark, beautiful contrast against the dark volcanic soil.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusArgyranthemum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Extreme Survivor: It is one of the few vascular plant species capable of thriving at elevations above 3,000 meters on the harsh slopes of Mount Teide.
Natural Sunscreen: The distinct silver-grey sheen of its foliage acts as a natural sunblock, helping the plant handle extreme subalpine UV rays.
Pioneer Plant: By colonizing bare volcanic ash and pumice, it helps build organic matter, paving the way for other high-altitude flora to establish.
Special abilities
Ability
Subalpine Cushioning
Grows in a compact, rounded dome structure that traps a microclimate of warmer air and moisture, shielding the plant from harsh alpine winds.
Ability
UV Reflection
The silvery, fine-haired coating on its fleshy leaves reflects intense high-elevation solar radiation and minimizes water loss through transpiration.
Ability
Volcanic Anchorage
An extensive, deep root system penetrates loose gravel and ash, securing the plant against soil erosion and accessing deep water reserves.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-50 cm
- Weight
- 0.2-2 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
Diet & Feeding
This plant produces its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to synthesize essential carbohydrates.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil nutrients
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis
Ecological connections
mutualism
Canary Island Bumblebee
Bombus canariensis
Serves as a primary food and nectar source for this endemic bumblebee, aiding in cross-pollination.
eaten by
Teide Wall Lizard
Gallotia galloti
The lizard occasionally consumes fallen petals and small insects attracted to the daisy's flowers.
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 Tenerife Daisy?
The easiest way to identify Tenerife Daisy is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Tenerife Daisy?
10-50 cm
How much does Tenerife Daisy weigh?
0.2-2 kg
How long does Tenerife Daisy live?
5-15 years
What does Tenerife Daisy eat?
This plant produces its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to synthesize essential carbohydrates.
Where is Tenerife Daisy usually found?
Found in high-altitude volcanic scrub, rocky crevices, and pumice plains of the subalpine zone on Mount Teide.
How does Tenerife Daisy hunt?
Photosynthesis
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