The cardón, known scientifically as Euphorbia canariensis, is one of the most emblematic plant species of La Palma and the Canary Islands.
On the island, it grows freely on rocky slopes, ravines, and sunny coastal areas, blending perfectly with the volcanic scenery.
Its unmistakable silhouette, with tall, upright branches, gives life to the dark lava fields and paints the cliffs overlooking the ocean with shades of green.
A cactus look-alike, but not a cactus
Although it looks like a cactus, the cardón actually belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).
It is perfectly adapted to the island’s warm, dry climate and can thrive with minimal water.
With its vertical, column-like stems, it can grow up to three meters tall, forming dense groups that resemble small forests.
A symbol of the volcanic landscape
The cardón is an endemic plant of the Canary Islands, meaning it grows naturally only in this archipelago.
On La Palma, it can mainly be found in the lower, sunnier regions of the east, south, and west, from Fuencaliente to Tazacorte, and from Santa Cruz to Puntallana, where the climate is warmer and drier.
Its vibrant green tones contrast beautifully with the black volcanic rock, creating one of the most iconic images of the island’s natural landscape.
In spring, if you look closely, you’ll see tiny yellow flowers blooming between its branches, a subtle but lively detail that brings color to the arid terrain.
Curious facts about the Cardón
- Its white, milky sap can be irritating to the skin, so direct contact should be avoided.
- It can live for more than 200 years, resisting heat, wind, and long periods of drought.
- Birds use it as a refuge and nesting site, while lizards find an ideal habitat among its branches.
- It was known by the ancient Canary Islanders, who considered it a sacred plant, symbolizing the sun and the strength of the earth.
Traditional uses of the Cardón
In the past, the cardón had some surprising uses in the daily life of the island’s inhabitants.
Its latex, highly toxic, was used in a traditional fishing technique known as “embarbascar“.
This method involved throwing pieces of the plant into the sea to stun fish, making them easier to catch.
It was also used in traditional veterinary practices, mainly as a purge for goats, and in home remedies to relieve toothaches or skin irritations.
However, these uses were dangerous and are now completely abandoned due to the plant’s toxicity.
