Piñamar (Atractylis preauxiana)

Compact cushion plant, up to 30 cm, with a thick woody base. Leaves are linear to oblanceolate, entire, with a stiff point, highly tomentose, up to 3 cm long and greyish-green. Flowerheads terminal, single, with white or pinkish-white ligules. Similar in appearance to a miniature pineapple. Endemic to the Canary Islands but relegated to the two main islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria). This halophyte is characteristic of the eastern and southern shores of both islands, where it grows on a variety of substrates, mainly in sandy stony ground, as well as in pumice soils. Although more abundant in Gran Canaria than in Tenerife, it is considered under threat (Endangered), due to residential development, the dumping of rubbish and rubble, ploughing, etc. Torrential rain and heavy swells can occasionally affect some populations of this species. Only part of its distribution area is included in protected natural areas, resulting in the exclusion of some important populations.