Hierba pulguera

Appearance

The Pulicaria canariensis is a small sub-shrub, up to 20 cm tall and woody. Its leaves are oblanceolate, densely cottony, with full or slightly jagged edges. The chapters measure about 3 cm. in diameter and its ligules, golden yellow in color, 0.7 cm.

Naming

Also known as Pulicaria canariensis.

Distribution

Endemic of the Canary Islands. There are two subspecies:
Pulicaria canariensis Bolle ssp canariensis, present in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
Pulicaria canariensis Bolle ssp.lanata, present only in Lanzarote.

Status

Due to their narrow distribution they are a protected species.

Habitat

On ancient rocks, by the ocean.
These plants grow in coastal environments, in low areas exposed to marine environment. It is easy to see them in the landslides at the foot of cliffs, ravines, slopes, gravel beaches, small platforms, etc., dominated by halonitrophilous thickets.

Uses

Used in the past as a natural insecticide. hence the name, Hierba pulguera, which means "Flea's herb".