The Macaronesian archipelagos—comprising the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde—are volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of Europe and Africa. These isolated islands are botanical treasure troves, hosting extraordinary endemic flora that evolved in isolation. Their flowers showcase remarkable adaptations to oceanic climates, volcanic soils, and varied elevations.

Understanding Macaronesian Flora

The term “Macaronesia” (meaning “blessed islands”) encompasses four main archipelagos, each with distinct climatic zones and endemic species. The islands’ isolation has created natural laboratories of evolution, with many plant families developing unique characteristics found nowhere else on Earth.

Canary Islands Flowers

Canary Island Echium (Echium wildpretii – Tajinaste Rojo)

Perhaps the most spectacular Macaronesian flower, this biennial produces a towering red flower spike reaching 3 meters tall. Native to the highlands of Tenerife and La Palma, it blooms in late spring, creating dramatic displays against volcanic landscapes. The plant spends its first year as a silvery rosette before producing its magnificent flower spike.

Bird of Paradise Flower (Strelitzia reginae)

While often associated with South Africa, this striking orange and blue flower is widely naturalized in the Canaries and has become symbolic of the islands. Its distinctive shape resembles a bird’s head and is pollinated by birds in its native habitat.

Canary Island Bellflower (Canarina canariensis)

This endemic winter-blooming perennial produces large, bell-shaped orange flowers with red veining. It grows in the laurel forests of the Canaries, climbing through vegetation and flowering from November to March when few other plants bloom.

Canary Lavender (Lavandula canariensis)

An endemic lavender species with deeply divided silvery leaves and purple-blue flower spikes. It blooms from winter through spring and fills the air with intense fragrance, growing on dry slopes and rocky areas.

Teide Daisy (Argyranthemum teneriffae)

White daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that grow at high altitudes near Mount Teide. Multiple Argyranthemum species are endemic to the Canaries, forming important components of the island flora.

Dragon Tree Flowers (Dracaena draco)

While famous for its ancient tree form, the Canary Island Dragon Tree produces clusters of small white, fragrant flowers. These trees can live for centuries and their flowering is an impressive sight on mature specimens.

Madeira Flowers

Madeira Orchid (Dactylorhiza foliosa)

A spectacular endemic orchid producing dense spikes of purple to magenta flowers in spring. It grows in damp meadows and along levadas (irrigation channels), and is one of Europe’s tallest orchids, reaching up to 80 cm.

Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)

This impressive shrub produces massive conical spikes of blue-purple flowers in spring. Growing to 2 meters tall, it’s covered in silvery hairs and creates stunning displays on coastal cliffs and gardens throughout Madeira.

Madeira Geranium (Geranium maderense)

A giant geranium endemic to Madeira, forming a dramatic rosette of deeply divided leaves before producing massive pink flower clusters. The entire plant can reach over a meter in diameter, making it one of the world’s most impressive geraniums.

Madeira Viper’s Bugloss (Echium nervosum)

Another endemic echium producing tall spikes of pale blue flowers. It grows in the laurel forests and has become endangered due to habitat loss.

Lily of the Valley Tree (Clethra arborea)

This endemic tree produces drooping clusters of white, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers in late summer. It’s a key component of Madeira’s laurel forest ecosystem, creating a sweet scent throughout the forest canopy.

Azores Flowers

Azores Bellflower (Azorina vidalii)

A unique endemic genus found only in the Azores, producing fleshy leaves and clusters of pink to white bell-shaped flowers. It grows on coastal cliffs and blooms from late spring through summer.

Azorean Holly (Ilex perado ssp. azorica)

While primarily known for its foliage, this endemic holly produces small white flowers in spring, followed by red berries. It’s an important component of the Azorean laurel forests.

Azores Heather (Erica azorica)

Endemic heather producing masses of pink to white bell-shaped flowers. It covers hillsides and creates important habitat for native insects and birds.

Azorean Blueberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum)

This endemic blueberry produces small pink urn-shaped flowers in spring, followed by edible blue-black berries. It grows in highland areas and peat bogs.

Cape Verde Flowers

Cape Verde Bellflower (Campanula jacobaea)

A rare endemic producing blue bell-shaped flowers on rocky mountain slopes. It’s critically endangered and found only in a few locations on Santiago Island.

Cape Verde Lantana (Lantana camara var. aculeata)

While Lantana is widespread, Cape Verde has unique populations producing clusters of yellow, orange, and red flowers that attract butterflies and birds.

Cape Verde Lavender (Lavandula rotundifolia)

An endemic lavender with rounded leaves and purple flower spikes, adapted to the archipelago’s drier conditions. It blooms after rains and fills the air with fragrance.

Laurel Forest Flowers

The laurisilva (laurel forest) is a unique ecosystem found in Madeira and the Canaries, hosting numerous endemic flowering species:

Lily of the Canaries (Semele androgyna)

Produces small greenish flowers on flattened stems that resemble leaves. This unusual plant is endemic to Canarian laurel forests.

Canary Island Ivy (Hedera canariensis)

While primarily a foliage plant, it produces clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in autumn, providing important late-season nectar for insects.

Persea indica

Related to avocado, this laurel forest tree produces small greenish flowers that are inconspicuous but ecologically important for forest pollination networks.

Alpine and Highland Flowers

Teide Violet (Viola cheiranthifolia)

One of the highest-altitude flowering plants in Spain, growing near the summit of Mount Teide. It produces small purple flowers and has adapted to extreme volcanic conditions and temperature fluctuations.

Mount Teide Broom (Spartocytisus supranubius)

Produces masses of white to pink pea-like flowers in spring, covering high-altitude slopes. Its name means “above the clouds,” reflecting its habitat.

Codeso (Adenocarpus decorticans)

A broom species producing golden yellow flowers that cover mountain slopes in spring, creating spectacular displays visible from great distances.

Coastal and Succulent Flowers

Canary Island Spurge (Euphorbia canariensis)

A cactus-like succulent producing small yellow flowers. While not showy, this endemic plant is an iconic part of the Canarian landscape.

Aeonium Species

Multiple Aeonium species are endemic to Macaronesia, producing rosettes of succulent leaves and pyramidal flower clusters in yellow, pink, or white. Aeonium arboreum, A. canariense, and others create striking displays.

Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)

Produces small white to pink daisy-like flowers and is covered in water-storing crystalline bladders that glisten in sunlight. It grows on coastal rocks and sand.

Sea Lavender (Limonium species)

Numerous endemic Limonium species produce clusters of small papery flowers in pink, purple, or white on coastal cliffs. Each island often has its own unique species.

Conservation Status

Macaronesian flowers face significant threats:

• Critically endangered species: Many island endemics have extremely limited populations
• Habitat loss: Urban development, agriculture, and tourism pressure
• Invasive species: Non-native plants outcompeting endemic flora
• Climate change: Affecting rainfall patterns and cloud forest formation
• Goat grazing: Historical overgrazing has devastated many native plant communities
• Collection: Illegal collection of rare bulbs and seeds

Conservation efforts include:

• Protected natural parks and reserves on all archipelagos
• Seed banking programs for rare species
• Habitat restoration projects
• Control of invasive species
• Public education about endemic flora
• Restrictions on plant collection and export

Growing Macaronesian Flowers

For gardeners interested in cultivating these unique plants:

Climate requirements: Most prefer mild, oceanic climates without extreme temperatures Water needs: Varies by species; many are drought-tolerant once established Soil: Well-draining, often preferring volcanic or acidic soils Propagation: Many can be grown from seed; some echiums and aeoniums are relatively easy Availability: Specialty nurseries offer cultivated specimens; never collect from wild Hardiness: Most are suited to USDA zones 9-11; some tolerate light frost

Popular in cultivation:

• Echium species for dramatic displays
• Aeonium succulents for containers and rock gardens
• Geranium maderense for large gardens
• Various endemic lavenders and heathers

Best Times and Places for Flower Viewing

Spring (March-May): Peak blooming season

• Teide National Park, Tenerife (tajinaste, broom)
• Laurel forests of Madeira and La Gomera
• Azorean crater lakes and highlands

Summer (June-August):

• Coastal areas for Aeonium and succulents
• Azorean heathlands

Autumn/Winter (September-February):

• Madeira for winter-blooming species
• Canarian laurel forests for Canarina

Year-round:

• Botanical gardens: Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo (Gran Canaria), Madeira Botanical Garden
• Protected natural parks across all archipelagos

Ecological Importance

Macaronesian flowers play crucial roles in island ecosystems:

• Pollinator support: Endemic bees, butterflies, and birds depend on native flowers
• Soil stabilization: Prevent erosion on volcanic slopes
• Water retention: Cloud forest species capture moisture from fog
• Seed dispersal: Co-evolved relationships with endemic birds and lizards
• Indicator species: Reflect ecosystem health and climate patterns

Cultural Significance

These flowers hold special meaning:

• Featured in local festivals and celebrations
• Used in traditional medicine and crafts
• Symbols of island identity and pride
• Inspiration for local art, textiles, and design
• Economic importance through tourism and horticulture

Scientific Importance

Macaronesian flora represents living laboratories for evolutionary biology:

• Adaptive radiation: How species diversify in isolation
• Island biogeography: Colonization and speciation patterns
• Conservation genetics: Managing small, isolated populations
• Climate relicts: Ancient plant communities surviving from different climatic periods

The native flowers of Macaronesia are irreplaceable natural treasures. These volcanic islands harbor unique species found nowhere else, representing millions of years of evolution in isolation. Protecting these botanical gems ensures these “blessed islands” remain havens of biodiversity for future generations to marvel at and study.