Lotus sessilifolius
Tenerife is dominated by Mount Teide notionally the highest mountain in Spain and the third highest volcano measured from sea level. It is actually an active volcano which last erupted in 1909 from the El Chinyero vent spilling lava into this region. There are extensive lava fields to be seen in this area and Lotus sessilifolius has colonised this very unpromising terrain. In the photo you can see the lava rocks at the top.
Lotus sessilifolius is immediately recognised as a relation of Lotus corniculatus but its thin, grey, tomentose leaves are characteristic. It is quite common on Tenerife.
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| Lotus sessilifolius |
Santiago valley, Tenerife, 16th February 2009
Added on 4th December 2010, updated 1st March 2012