Alamillo de Acentejo (Pericallis multiflora)

Erect, robust plant, often branched from the base, with heart-shaped leaves of varying size distributed along the stems, the larger at the bottom. Numerous flowers grouped in striking terminal clusters, with a purple centre and whitish to pale pink ligules. Native to Tenerife, found in forest areas of the Acentejo region and La Orotava valley, in evergreen and laurel forests and damp or mixed pine forests, at roughly 800-1,200 m altitude, usually in clearings and on waysides, since it requires a certain amount of sunlight. Although it can be locally common, restricted distribution makes it an endangered species. Population sizes undergo high interannual variability, which can result in low flower and seed production. Most populations are found in areas included in the Canary Islands Network for Protected Natural Areas.