Saião (Aeonium gorgoneum)

The only representative of the genus Aeonium in Cape Verde. Small, erect herb, which can grow up to 60 cm tall. Woody stems, with succulent leaves arranged in dense terminal rosettes, which are spathulate or obovate-spathulate, up to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide. Inflorescences are terminal, with numerous yellow flowers. It is relegated to the western group of Barlovento Islands, namely, Santo Antão, São Vicente and São Nicolau. It grows in more or less damp rocky areas, from 100 to 1,500 m, but is most frequently seen from 400-1,100 m. It is commonly found in several localities, but is considered an endangered species in São Vicente, as only very few specimens remain in just one location.