Descurainia bourgaena (Hierba pajonera)

CC image by H.Zell

 This plant is endemic to Tenerife and La Palma.

During our winter visit you'll notice the long straw-like dead flower stems, but in spring this species becomes covered in bright yellow flowers.

The leaves are closely packed, highly divided, and will smell cabbagey if crushed (this species is in the Brassicaceae, or cabbage family).

Its hemispherical cushion-like form is an adaptation to Teide's harsh environment. Outer layers are heated by the sun during the day, and lose heat inwards at night to keep the central temperature relatively stable.

Cushion species like this and others also act as nurseries, providing sheltered areas for seeds of other species to grow.