Cuernúa (Caralluma burchardii)

Succulent, similar to a small specimen of Euphorbia Canariensis, which grows up to 20 cm tall and occasionally spreads over a wide area. Stems are quadrangular, erect, fleshy, with short spines. Flowers are small, pilose, purplish-brown and yellow inside. Fruits are legumes, brown, borne in opposite pairs, which release seeds with a pappus (very light, feather appendage), as occurs with other species of the family Asclepiadaceae. Native to the Canaries and North West Africa (Morocco), found on the two easternmost islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, and on the islets of Alegranza, Montaña Clara, La Graciosa and Lobos; however, its existence in Gran Canaria is doubtful. The subspecies C. burchardii is a native of the Canaries, while C. maura is found in southwest Morocco. Generally present in malpaíses (badlands) and on rocky or stony hillsides, up to around 500-600 m, and only locally common. It is considered a vulnerable species, owing to its fragile habitat and the fact that populations are not located within protected natural areas.