Lanzarote is an island in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to Spain, the most eastern of the Canary Islands. It lies approximately 78 miles off the coast of Africa and 621 miles from the Iberian Peninsular. Covering 327 sq miles, Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the islands in the archipelago. With 140,000 inhabitants, it is the third most populous island of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In the center-west of the island is the Timanfaya National Park, which is one its main attractions.

Plant Life

Lanzarote’s highest peak, Peñas del Chache near Haría, is only 2,198ft (670 metres) above sea level. Compared with other islands of the Canarian archipelago, it is not very mountainous, with the landscape having very little change in altitude. Certain factors determine what sort of plant life can exist here. There are many large areas covered in volcanic material and the arid climate, with little rainfall and no frost, has an effect on Lanzarote’s flora. Surprisingly, despite these hostile conditions, Lanzarote has around 612 plant species, many of which are endemic to the Canary Islands and have great botanical value. Around twenty species are endemic to Lanzarote. What will strike you first is that you will not find many trees on the island, with the pleasant exception of hundreds of Canary Palms (Phoenix canariensis) thriving in the valley of Haría. The mythical Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco), which has a long history on other islands of the Canaries, can also be seen everywhere. The most common plants to be found on Lanzarote’s vast malpaís, or badlands, are mosses (Bryophyta) and lichens, while the Canary Houseleek (Aeonium canariense) predominates in cracks and fissures. In scrubland areas you can find various species of Spurges (Euphorbiaceae) – drought-resistant plants that produce a bitter, milky juice, such as the cactus-like Canary Island Spurge (Euphorbia canariensis) and the Euphorbia obtusifolia with greenish-yellowish flowers.

With its year round mild climate, sweeping sea views, dramatic volcanic landscape and stark beauty, Lanzarote is known as the “Island of Eternal Spring.” It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993.

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