Palomera (Pericallis lanata)

Perennial creeper or close-growing, stems very pubescent. Leaves suborbicular, pubescent on the underside, smooth to the touch and greyish-green on top. Flowerheads are solitary or in pairs, 3-5 cm in diameter, with mauve or dark pink ligules and a purple centre, lending the plant a striking appearance when in full bloom. Endemic to Tenerife and characteristic of the southern and western slopes of the island. This rock plant, usually hanging, is found among thermophile vegetation, between 100 and 700 m, but occasionally at higher altitudes. The artificial hybrids of this species and Pericallis cruenta, another native species, gave rise to ornamental cinerarias.