Canary lime tree: island biodiversity

The Canary lime tree (Ocotea foetens), also called linden, is an emblematic tree of the laurisilva of the Canary Islands and Madeira. In Gran Canaria, it gives its name to the Special Natural Reserve of Los Tilos de Moya, and it was a lime tree the legendary Garoé tree of El Hierro. It stands out for its great ecological value and its role in the island's ecosystem. With its dense foliage, it captures moisture from the fog and helps protect the soil. Its scientific name, foetens, refers to the unpleasant smell of its freshly cut wood.

Ecological value

The Canary lime tree is a key tree for island biodiversity. In fact, it provides home and food to many animal and plant species. Some of the species that benefit from the Canary lime tree are:

• songbirds
• pollinating insects
• reptiles and amphibians

These species depend on the Canary lime tree for survival. Therefore, its disappearance could have serious consequences for the island ecosystem.

Importance in the ecosystem

The importance of this tree in the island ecosystem is due to its ability to:

• Capture water: its leaves retain moisture from the fog, which then drips to the ground.
• Protect the soil: its roots slow down erosion and prevent soil degradation.
• Provide shade and shelter: it creates a cool and humid environment for many species.

Thanks to these functions, the Canary lime tree is an essential tree for the balance of the ecosystem. It is also key to preserving the biodiversity of the islands.

If you want to see a great laurisilva forest, don't miss our article about the Bosque de Los Tilos, in La Palma.