Growth form diversity on the Canary Islands

A. Shmida*, M. J.A. Werger

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

An analysis is given of the growth form composition of the flora of the Canary Islands based on a checklist published by Hansen & Sunding (1985) and the authors' field studies. Results are compared with similar data available from Israel and California. Special attention is given to endemism, the Mediterranean-wides and introduced species, as well as to some special plant features such as succulence, spinescence and fleshy fruits. Long-distance dispersal is stressed as the mechanism by which the Canaries obtained their flora. The growth-form composition of the Canaries is discussed in the context of the prevailing present-day environmental conditions, not in the context of climatic conditions in geological time. Characteristic features are the low percentages of endemic and even of indigenous annuals, the high percentage of chamaephytes (many of whom are endemic), the strong development of arborescence, the richness in leaf succulents, and the paucity of spines.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)183-199
Number of pages17
JournalVegetatio
Volume102
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1992

Keywords

  • Canary Islands
  • Diversity
  • Endemism
  • Fruits
  • Island flora
  • Mediterranean
  • Spinescence
  • Succulence

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Growth form diversity on the Canary Islands'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this