Unique Flora of El Hierro: A Canarian Natural Treasure

El Hierro, the westernmost island of the Canary Islands, has been a Biosphere Reserve since 2000 and is home to extraordinary flora. In addition to many plants that it shares with the rest of the archipelago, it has species that do not live anywhere else in the world.

Plants that only grow in El Hierro

• Bencomia herreña (Bencomia sphaerocarpa): a shrub exclusive to the island, endangered.
• Cabezón herreño (Cheirolophus duranii): another threatened endemic plant.
• Canutillo de Sabinosa (Silene sabinosae): a small plant that only grows in El Hierro.

The plant landscapes of the island

• Coastal scrub, with tabaibas and cardones.
• Sabinar: the sabina forest of El Sabinar, in the west, with trees twisted by the wind, is one of the symbols of the island.
• Monteverde, with fayas, heaths, and remnants of laurisilva, in the humid areas of the north.
• Canary Pine in the high areas of the south and center.

Conserving the flora of El Hierro

Many species are threatened by grazing, invasive species, and climate change. To protect this heritage, it is crucial to conserve their habitats, avoid introducing exotic plants, and promote environmental education.

If you want to see the island's landscapes live, take a look at our webcams of El Hierro.