Cardoncillo (Ceropegia dichotoma)

Succulent, stems erect or horizontal, glaucous or greyish-green. Leaves are short, linear, scant and short-lived. Inflorescences are axillary, of 2-5 pale yellow or greenish-yellow flowers. Fruits are long follicles, to 10-12 cm, greenish-bronze; they contain pappi, which are feathery appendages that contribute to seed dispersal by wind. This native of the Canaries is found on El Hierro (rare and highly localized), La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife; it has also been recorded on Gran Canaria. It has two subspecies: C. dichotoma present in El Hierro, La Palma and Tenerife, and C. krainzii, relegated to La Gomera and Tenerife. This rupicolous plant is locally common in low-lying areas, from sea level to 700 m, and is particularly abundant along the north coast of Tenerife. It has great potential as an ornamental for gardens in semi-arid zones.