The Canary Laurel of The Dornajo Ravine

This specimen of Canary laurel grows next to the Dornajo ravine, beside the old road that connects Icod el Alto and El Lance, which is still used nowadays.

It grows on the ravine’s basalt wall. Many epicormic shoots grow from its base.

Its leaves are full of galls which are caused by the sting of mites which are specific to this species.

The vegetation in the area is typical of Canary Island fayal-brezal except for a few exotic species that may have originated in some of the nearby houses.

Ferns (hare’s-foot-fern) and epiphytic lichen grow on this tree.