Tabaiba of Los Baldíos

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Leisure · Subcategory: Singular trees

This enormous specimen of tabaiba ( Euphobia balsamifera ) is located at about 550 metres above sea level, in Los Baldíos, very close to the municipal boundary between Santa Cruz and La Laguna.

The dimensions of this spectacular tabaiba are extraordinary for the species, reaching up to 3.20 m in height and a perimeter of 1.60. Its unusual development may possibly be due to the altitudinal distribution limit and to terrain with particularly good soil for this species. Its size allows it to host some epiphytes, such as verodes. It shows some scars, possibly caused by cuts made to extract its latex for various ethnobotanical uses. It leans heavily to the south, supported on a stone wall and a prickly pear cactus. The local Neighbourhood Association has requested the conditioning of the site, as there are problems with rubbish and some invasive species such as Senecio mikanoides , a very aggressive vine that climbs the tabaiba. Its protection status is of Regional interest.

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