Language: English
Few places in the world boast such a wealth of botanical species in such a limited area as the island of Gran Canaria in the Canaries does. There are some 1219 species of plant and vegetation, of which no fewer than 81 are endemic of the island and 124 endemic of the archipelago. It is almost impossible to equal this impressive variety of plant species anywhere else in the world.
The aim of this guide is to help both tourist and resident alike appreciate just how extraordinary this island and its plantlife are. In addition, there are descriptions of the many different habitats on the island, each with its own special features and each the home of certain species of plantlife. This unusually wide range of habitats is a direct result of the variety of weather patterns that sweep across Gran Canaria, famous in the meteorological world for its microclimates.
Protecting this haven of endemic plantlife is almost a divine obligation – any species which should disappear, will be lost forever.
The authors hope that after reading this guide, you will have learned something of the natural beauty and wonder of Gran Canaria's plantlife and will also have become aware of just how essential it is that we protect this fragile and valuable environment.