What species make up the laurisilva forest? Which ones are we planting?

The Laurisilva forest in Gran Canaria, as we well know, is related to water-sourcing. It works as a natural water collector , it holds on to soil, prevents erosion and improves water infiltration. Additionally The Laurisilva forest has a great scientific interest as a relic forest.

In some of the Canary Islands, especielly the westernmost ones (more humid) , these lush forests grow. They are formed by more than 20 species of trees, shrubs, mosses, ferns and creeping plants, wich are the natural environment for many fauna (mainly insects) and native flora species.

Currently, only in the gorges of the deepest ravines and in steep places of difficult access, it is possible to find naturally developed forests.

One of the most recent causes for the degradation of these endemic ecosystems, was the 2019 wildfire in Gran Canaria resulting in a notable decrease of native short and medium-size herbaceous and shrub species. Instead, we now find introduced and invasive species, remnants from the agriculture activity that look place in the area until late twentieth century.

Hence, Life Nieblas aims to restore Monteverde (which contains Laurisilva and beech-heath forests) through the reforestation of  20 000 trees of 14 native species belonging to this ecosystem. Such species are:

1. Apollonias barbujana, Barbusano

2. Arbutus canariensis, Madroño canario

3. Bencomia caudata, Bencomia

4. Echium callithyrsum, Tajinaste azul

5. Erica canariensis¸ Brezo

6. Ilex canariensis, Acebiño

7. Laurus novocanariensis, Laurel

8. Morella faya, Faya

9. Picconia excelsa, Palo blanco

10. Viburnum rigidum, Follao

11. Juniperus cedrus, Cedro canario

12. Maytenus canariensis, Peralillo

13. Persea indica, Viñátigo

14. Visnea mocanera, Mocán