Tajinaste gomero (Echium acanthocarpum)

Densely branched shrub, up to 2 m, with a reddish-brown trunk. Leaves are hairy, ovate-lanceolate, large and arranged in apical rosettes. The inflorescence is ovoid-cylindrical or fusiform and composed of numerous tubular blue flowers. Fruits are 1-2 (sometimes 3) nutlets, spiny and very ornate. This native of La Gomera is a rare species with only three natural populations, located in two protected areas: Majona Nature Park and Garajonay National Park. The total number of specimens counted at the beginning of the 21st century numbered 500. Main conservation problems include grazing, competition from allochthonous species and hybridization with other Echiums. However, it has been saved from extinction, thanks to the considerable efforts of public authorities. Today around 50% of existing specimens are the result of in situ planting.