During my first trip to Gran Canaria I became absolutely obsessed about succulents and subtropical flowers. I knew it was not my last trip there.

The climate in Canary Islands, characterized by low precipitation and mild temperatures, creates a favorable environment for a distinct plants to grow. This region is renowned for its unique and diverse flora making it a plant paradise and an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Dry areas, such as Canarian archipelago are home to the most interesting water-resistant plants. Some of them are not well-known outside these islands.

Succulents that look like a rose

Aeoniums are particularly abundant in the Canary Islands, especially on the island of Tenerife. These rosette-forming succulents appear in various shapes and colours and can range from green to red in colour.

# Aeonium Canariese

Aeonium canariense by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

# Aeonium gomerense

“Aeonium gomerense, jardín botánico de Tallinn, Estonia, 2012-08-13, DD 02” by Diego Delso is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

# Aeonium percarneum

“Aeonium percarneum in Botanischer Garten Muenster (1)” by Krzysztof Golik is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

# Aeonium simsii

“Aeonium simsii” by Orlando Torres Sánches

# Aeonium mascaense tabuliforme only found on Tenerife

“Aeonium tabuliforme at BBC Gardeners' World” by Andy Mabbett is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

# Aeonium haworthii “Kiwi”

“Aeonium Haworthii Kiwi” by srboisvert is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Candelabra shaped, woolly succulents

Various Euphorbias (Tabaiba) species of are native to the Canary Islands. They are often characterized by their spiny appearance and adaptability to the arid climate. The most common species are Euphorbia canariensis (Canary Island Spurge):

“Euphorbia canariensis” by Marc Ryckaert is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

# Woolly Senecio (Senecio haworthii)

“Senecio haworthii” by Drew Avery is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

# Mexican Snow Ball (Echeveria elegans)

“Echeveria Elegans (5817292503)” by stephen boisvert from Chicago, United States is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

# Cobweb house-leek (Sempervivum arachnoideum)

“Sempervivum arachnoideum” by MeganEHansen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Canary palms and other unique trees

Many tree species in this region are endemic, which means they are found naturally only in these island ecosystems. This endemism contributes to the islands’ rich biodiversity and uniqueness. Some of them also belong to the ancient lineages which makes them an interesting touristic attraction.

# Canarian Pine (Pinus canariensis) is evergreen, which means they remain green throughout the year. It is also one of the oldest tree species in the world.

“Pinus canariensis (Canarian Pine) – immature cones” by S. Rae is licensed under CC BY 2.0

# Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) is endemic to the Canary Islands, which means it is found naturally nowhere else.

# The Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) is an exciting find as it take decades to grow. They are not typically cultivated in nurseries because of that reason.

# Laurel tree (Laurus novocanariensis) has been used for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. The leaves include aromatic oils and have been used in herbal remedies and for spicing food.

“Laurus novocanariensis kz01” by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

# Canary Island cycad / Palma de Sago (Microcycas calocoma) is found exclusively in this archipelago

“Jardín Botánico de Puerto de la Cruz – Encephalartos laurentianus” by Cayambe is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

National, bird-pollinated flowers

Many tropical flower species will tolerate the winter in the Subtropics and will grow outdoors. Flowers in the Canary Islands are so distinctive and they add a lot to the charm of the archipelago. Here are some notable flowers you might encounter in the Canary Islands:

# Canary Island Bellflower (Canarina canariensis) are pollinated particularly by Canarian pigeons

# Canary Island Orchid (Orchis canariensis) commonly grows in rocky walls with mossy shelves or in pine forests

“Orchis canariensis” by Jörg Hempel is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

# Roque Nublo Viper’s Bugloss (Echium callithyrsum) is known in Spanish as Blue Tajinaste

“Echium callithyrsum” by lewinb is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

# Canary Island Foxglove (Isoplexis canariensis)

“CRESTA DE GALLO (Isoplexis canariensis)” by teidefilms tenerife is licensed under CC BY 2.0

# Canary Island Squill (Scilla maderensis)

“Scilla madeirensis, Quinta do Palheiro, José Lemos Silva – 2011-12-03 – Image 203805” by José Lemos Silva is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

# Bird of Paradise – Strelizia grows commonly in the Canary Islands. It is not an endemic plant to this region although many locals claim so.

Botanical Gardens with subtropical plants

As a true succulent passionate i was amazed by the large quantity of succulents growing in public parks, private gardens and the roofs of abandoned houses. The wild-grown can be found in various places, from coastal areas, to volcanic landscapes and higher elevations. I recommend visiting National Parks such as Finca de Osorio in Teror, which is really impressive in terms of unique flora, available trails and typical North-Canarian landscape. Among Botanical Gardens worth visiting there are:

# Jardín de Cactus (Cactus Garden), Lanzarote with an amazing collection of weird and wonderful cactuses and succulents. It’s not large but interestingly designed. There is a lovely cafe place under share and an amazing windmill viewpoint over the garden. The place is designed within a unique volcanic setting by genius César Manrique.

# Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava (Botanical Garden of La Orotava), Tenerife: an excellent choice in a shade. All species are labeled, some of them even with a QR code, so you can hear the description in English, German or Spanish.

Magical interiors immersed in Lanzarote nature

# Jameos del Agua – Hidden Venue In Lanzarote With Unusual Events. Jameos del Agua – A truly unique multisensory experience for curious visitors interested in organic architecture.

# Cueva de los Verdes

# Mirador del Rio

# El Jardín de Cactus

# Tahíche village may not be widely known, but the presence of the César Manrique Foundation makes it unique. It is an art and cultural center dedicated to the work of César Manrique. He played an important role in shaping Lanzarote’s architectural landscape. The foundation combines natural elements with man-made structures, perfectly integrating into the volcanic landscape of the island.

# Puerto del Carmen Promenade

# Club Náutico de Arinaga

# Alfredo Kraus Auditorium