Magarza (Argyranthemum frutescens)

Compact, highly branched shrub, to 80 cm, woody at base and main branches. Leaves are linear-lanceolate to obovate, uni- or bi-pinnatisect, rather firm or succulent, varying in colour from light to dark green. Inflorescences of flower heads up to 2 cm across, a yellowish centre with white ligules. This native of the Canaries is found in all the central and western islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro), and in specific locations in Lanzarote. It has no fewer than seven subspecies: the nominate, A. canariae, A. foeniculaceum, A. gracilescens, A. parviflorum, A. pumilum and A. succulentum, all with their own distribution areas and distinguishable by leaf shape and flower size, as well as other taxonomic characteristics. This halophytic and xerophytic species grows from sea level to 700 m, easily colonizes abandoned cultivated terraces and roadside verges, and is considered a nitrophilous and ruderal plant.