Aeonium canariense subsp. christii

Aeonium canariense subsp. christii is a subspecies of the genus Aeonium, which belongs to the family of the Crassulaceae. This succulent plant comes from the Canary Islands and is known for its large, rosette -shaped leaves and their adaptability in dry conditions. The plant has an important ecological role in its home country because it offers the habitat and food for a variety of insects. Aeonium canariense subsp. christii is also popular as an ornamental plant and is cultivated in various climate zones, where it contributes to the attractiveness of gardens due to its striking appearance.

Morphology

The Aeonium canariense subsp. christii forms a dense rosette of large, fleshy leaves that can reach a diameter of 30 to 50 centimeters. The leaves are usually light green and have a velvety, slightly hairy surface that gives the plants a soft, almost fluffy look. These trichome (plant hair) serve as protection against intensive sunlight and reduce water evaporation, which represents an important adaptation to the dry locations on the Canary Islands. The leaves are spatula -shaped and slightly bent upwards, which creates a shell -shaped structure that minimizes the water outflow.

Aeonium canariense subsp. christii develops long, upright inflorescences in the summer months that can become up to one meter high. The flowers are yellow and star -shaped and appear in dense grapes at the top of the flower stems. The flowering period is in spring and summer, whereby the plant often dies after flowering, since it is monocarpic like many Aeonium species, so it only blooms and then dies once in its life cycle. However, the plant often forms offshoots that ensure the continued existence of the colony.

Distribution and habitat

Aeonium canariense subsp. christii is endemically on the islands of Tenerife, La Palma and El Hierro that belong to the Canary Islands. It grows mainly in rocky and dry coastal regions as well as on slopes and in barren mountain regions up to a height of around 1,500 meters. The climate on the Canary Islands is mild temperatures and low precipitation through all year round, so that the plants have adapted to these extreme conditions. Aeonium canariense subsp. christii particularly colonizes areas with well -permeable soils that store little water. The plant can also survive in extremely dry phases.

Ecological adjustments

Aeonium canariense subsp. christii has developed numerous adjustments to survive in her natural habitat. The fleshy leaves store water, which enables the plant to survive during longer dry periods. In addition to reducing the transpiration, the slight hair of the leaves contributes to reducing the evaporation and at the same time reduces the temperature of the leaf surface. These trichome also reflect part of the sunlight and thus reduce the risk of overheating.

The monocarpic nature of this plant is also an adaptation to resource shortage in its habitat. By forming offshoots, Aeonium canariense subsp. christii die after flowering, but still reproduce and maintain its genetic diversity.

Cultivation and care

Aeonium canariense subsp. christii is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and as succulents in collections. It needs a sunny to partially shaded location and well -permeable soil that avoids waterlogging. The plant can react sensitively if moisture or waterlogging is too high, as this can lead to root rot. In warmer climates, it can grow outdoors all year round, while it should be cultivated as a potted plant in cooler regions and brought into the house in winter. The propagation is mainly carried out by offshoots that are formed at the base of the plant and easily beat new roots.

Meaning and protection

Although Aeonium canariense subsp. christii is not directly at risk in her natural habitat, can become a threat in the long term due to human activities. However, awareness of the preservation of endemic species on the Canary Islands increases and measures to preserve this kind are increasingly being discussed. Your cultivation and preservation in botanical gardens and succulent collections worldwide contributes to preserving the species and supports the genetic variety of these plants.