Orquídea de Tenerife (Himantoglossum metlesicsianum)

Plant with a small bulb of seasonal growth (geophyte), to 60 cm tall, leaves arranged along the stem. Leaves are ovate-lanceolate, bright green, with a prominent midrib. Inflorescence is conical, of 24-50 highly striking pink or purple flowers with whitish tones. This native of the Canary Islands is relegated to Tenerife, where it only appears in forests of Canary pine (Pinus canariensis) and bordering areas, from 800-1,300 m, mainly in Guía de Isora and Santiago del Teide. However, there is a population (considered as introduced) in the heights of Icod de los Vinos, and several references in parts of the southern flank of the island. Specimens found at known locations number more than 1,500, but the limited distribution area (no more than 10 km2) make this an endangered species, requiring specific conservation measures.