The flora of Tenerife: An Atlantic Garden between mountains and oean

Cécile Barrès
Oct 18
2 min read

Between the deep blue of the ocean and the volcanic peaks of Teide, Tenerife reveals an extraordinary diversity of plants. The island is often described as a true Atlantic garden, where tropical species, Mediterranean flowers, and endemic plants grow side by side.

Its relief, climate, and many microclimates explain this richness — within just a few kilometers, you can move from pine forests to banana plantations or to gardens filled with agapanthus.

Lush plants in the north

In the more humid areas, especially around La Orotava, Los Realejos, and La Laguna, the vegetation is particularly luxuriant. You’ll find hydrangeas, ferns, agapanthus, as well as oleanders and daturas, often adorning gardens and paths.

Bougainvillea, ever-present, adds a brilliant splash of pink, purple, or orange to traditional façades. These plants, originally from South America, have perfectly adapted to the mild and sunny Canarian climate.

Succulent plants and arid landscapes

Further south and on the sunny slopes, the vegetation changes dramatically. Succulent plants, adapted to drought, dominate: agaves, aloes, euphorbias, and prickly pears shape a landscape that feels unmistakably Canarian.

Some of them offer remarkable natural displays, such as the swan-neck agave (Agave attenuata), whose flower stalk can reach several meters before bending gracefully toward the ground.

Spectacular flowers

Among the island’s iconic flowers, the red tajinaste (Echium wildpretii) is perhaps the most spectacular. This endemic plant of Teide National Park raises its tall crimson flower spike in spring, reaching up to two meters. It embodies the wild and fragile beauty of the volcanic zones.

Another emblem of Canarian gardens is the strelitzia or “bird of paradise,” with its elegant and exotic flowers — a symbol of Tenerife’s gentle subtropical climate.

Another emblem of Canarian gardens is the strelitzia or “bird of paradise,” with its elegant and exotic flowers — a symbol of Tenerife’s gentle subtropical climate.

An island-garden to explore

Tenerife is like a summary of the world’s vegetation: laurel forests, tropical orchards, mountain plants, and Mediterranean gardens.Each part of the island reveals a different flora, shaped by wind, rain, sun, and volcanic rock.

To learn more about Tenerife’s remarkable trees — from the millenary dragon tree to the Canarian pines — check out my article dedicated to the trees of the island.