Guide: Tower of jewels
The red tajinaste or tower of jewels (Echium wildpretii) is a plant found only on the high peaks of Tenerife. At first it is just a rosette of silvery leaves; when it flowers it sends up a spike of red flowers that can reach about three metres. Its red columns against the volcanic landscape of Las Cañadas are one of the best-known sights of Mount Teide.
When
It flowers in late spring, mainly in May and June, and some plants are still in bloom in July. The number of flowering plants varies a lot from year to year: it depends on winter rain and snow and on how many rosettes have reached flowering age.
Where
It only grows naturally in the high mountains of Tenerife, mainly in the Las Cañadas crater inside Teide National Park, above 2,000 metres. Good places to see it include La Fortaleza and the area around the Parador.
How to tell the moment
Before flowering the plant is a rosette of narrow, silvery leaves close to the ground. At bud stage a green spike rises from the centre and grows fast. With the first flowers the spike begins to turn red; at full bloom it is a red column covered in flowers and busy with insects. At the end the flowers fade, the plant sets seed and dies; the dry spike can stay standing for a long time.
How to see it
This is a national park: stay on the paths, do not touch or cut the plants and do not step on young rosettes, which are the tajinastes of years to come. Park only in designated car parks and viewpoints. Above 2,000 metres the sun is very strong and the weather changes quickly: bring water, sun protection and a warm layer. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light.
Did you know?
Its flowers do not only attract insects: on Teide, birds such as the Canary Islands chiffchaff also feed on its nectar. And the plant flowers only once in its life: after setting seed, it dies.
Where we follow it
Usual season: dates from past years, for guidance only. Each year it comes earlier or later depending on the weather.
Tell me when it blooms: tower of jewels
We will email you when flowering starts. One email per season, no advertising.
Sources: gobiernodecanarias.org · www3.gobiernodecanarias.org · webtenerife.co.uk