Canary Islands elder

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Canary Islands elder

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sambucus nigra subsp. palmensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Dipsacales, it is classified under the family Viburnaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Sambucus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is a specialized species found within the Macaronesian region. Its distribution is specifically restricted to the Canary Islands, where it serves as a key component of the local flora. Within this archipelago, it occupies unique ecological niches shaped by the volcanic landscape. Because its range is so localized, it is considered an endemic element of the island ecosystems. Understanding its specific presence in the Canary Islands is essential for the conservation of Macaronesian biodiversity.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Sambucus palmensis is characterized by its specific distribution within mid-to-high altitude montane environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche. This species is primarily found within an elevational range that begins at 600 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1200 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal belt, the plant thrives in habitats that provide the necessary moisture and temperature gradients typical of these elevations, often associating with specific vegetation communities that define these mid-elevation zones. Its presence is closely tied to these specific topographical constraints, which dictate the environmental conditions, such as humidity and light availability, required for its survival and reproductive success.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

600 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Sambucus palmensis is characterized by a complex growth pattern where its seasonal physiological states can vary significantly depending on environmental conditions. While it often exhibits a deciduous nature, losing its foliage during unfavorable periods, its phenology is noted for being variable, meaning it can transition between deciduous and evergreen states. This adaptability allows the plant to optimize its resource management and survival within its specific ecological niche, adjusting its leaf retention strategies in response to moisture availability and temperature fluctuations throughout its life cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Morphology

The morphology of Sambucus palmensis is characterized by a woody growth form, typically manifesting as a tree. This plant reaches a significant stature, with a height that varies between a minimum of 4 m and a maximum of 6 m.

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

6 m

Plant height min:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Sambucus palmensis is characterized by specific morphological adaptations in its foliage that facilitate metabolic processes and structural organization. The plant exhibits a distinct leaf form described as imparippinate, a configuration that influences the spatial distribution of photosynthetic tissue across its surface. Complementing this structure, the leaf arrangement follows an opposite pattern, ensuring a systematic distribution of leaves along the stem to optimize light interception and gas exchange efficiency. This organized phyllotaxy and specialized leaf morphology play critical roles in the plant's overall physiological capacity to manage transpiration and energy production.

Leaf arrangement :

opposite

Leaf form :

imparipinnate

Reproduction

The reproduction of Sambucus palmensis begins with the development of white flowers, which are characterized by a maximum flower width of 0.5 cm. These flowers are arranged in a cyme inflorescence and follow a seasonal flowering pattern that starts in April and concludes in July. Following pollination, the plant produces fruit categorized as a drupe. These fruits are notable for their black color and are indehiscent in nature.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flower colour :

white

Flower width max:

0.5 cm

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Jul

Fruit colour :

black

Fruit type :

drupe

Inflorescence :

cyme

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Sambucus palmensis has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antinociceptive.

Analgesic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antinociceptive

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Sambucus palmensis has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation, pain.

Inflammation

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Pain

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Sambucus palmensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extract.

Aqueous extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology