Escobilla de Güímar (Kunkeliella retamoides)

Erect shrub, highly branched, up to 2 m. Generally, the oldest parts of the plant are covered by a waxy secretion, which turns the plant greyish-green. Flowers small, fruits globose, up to 7 mm in diameter, somewhat translucent whitish-green. This native of Tenerife is relegated to a few locations in the southeast of the island, from 650-1450 m. Essentially rupicolous, it is associated with thermophile vegetation, although it penetrates pine forests and grows in ravines. Over 3,000 specimens have been counted, but it is considered an endangered species, especially due to grazing pressure from goats, competition from other plants and inbreeding. All populations are found in protected natural areas and their seeds are preserved in germoplasm banks in the Canaries, so survival appears to be assured.