Pulicaria canariensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pulicaria canariensis subsp. canariensis
• Pulicaria canariensis subsp. lanata
• Pulicaria canariensis var. lanata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is further categorized into the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Pulicaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is a specialized species with a very restricted natural range. It is primarily found within the Macaronesia region, specifically occurring in the Canary Islands. Because of this limited scope, its presence is highly localized to certain volcanic landscapes. The distribution highlights its status as an endemic element of the Atlantic archipelago. Consequently, understanding its specific habitat in the Canary Islands is essential for its conservation.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pulicaria canariensis is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons within its habitat. As a perennial species, it avoids the complete die-back seen in annuals, instead establishing a robust presence that enables it to survive unfavorable conditions and regrow in subsequent years. This longevity is supported by its ability to maintain vegetative structures and energy reserves, which facilitate repeated flowering cycles over its lifespan. Unlike annual or biennial species that complete their biological objectives in a single or dual-year period, the perennial nature of Pulicaria canariensis allows for a more stable and continuous integration into its ecological niche, ensuring long-term survival and reproductive success.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pulicaria canariensis is characterized by a growth form that transitions between a herb and a shrub. It is a non-woody plant that typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.4 m.

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.4 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pulicaria canariensis is characterized by distinct morphological adaptations that support its metabolic processes, most notably reflected in its leaf architecture. The plant features an elliptic leaf form, a structural trait that optimizes surface area for light interception and gas exchange, facilitating efficient photosynthetic activity. This specific leaf shape contributes to the plant's ability to regulate transpiration and manage water potential within its tissues, ensuring metabolic stability under varying environmental conditions. The arrangement and geometry of these elliptic leaves play a critical role in the plant's energy acquisition and carbon fixation strategies, directly influencing its overall growth patterns and physiological vigor.

Leaf form :

elliptic

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pulicaria canariensis is characterized by its distinct flowering cycle and specific floral morphology. The flowering period typically begins in February and concludes in April, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces flowers that are a vibrant yellow in color. These flowers exhibit specific dimensions, with a maximum flower length of approximately 0.7 cm and a width that ranges between a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 5 cm.

Flower colour :

yellow

Flower length max:

0.7 cm

Flower width max:

5 cm

Flower width min:

3 cm

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

Apr

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pulicaria canariensis has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5,7-Dihydroxy-3,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone, Calenduladiol, Ergosterol peroxide, PULIOPLOPANONE A, Pulicanadiene A.

5,7-Dihydroxy-3,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone

1. Journal of natural products

Calenduladiol

1. Journal of natural products

Ergosterol peroxide

1. Journal of natural products

PULIOPLOPANONE A

1. Journal of natural products

Pulicanadiene A

1. Journal of natural products

Pulicanadiene B

1. Journal of natural products

Pulicanadiene C

1. Journal of natural products

Pulicanadienol

1. Journal of natural products

Pulicanone

1. Journal of natural products

Pulioplopanone B

1. Journal of natural products