Canary Islands candle plant
A plant with swollen stems for storing water.
Copyright Egon Krogsgaard
The Canary Islands candle plant is common in the arid regions of the Canary Islands. One of the most striking features of the plant is its articulated, swollen branches. The branches contain water-storing tissues that allow the plant to store water during periods of rainfall.
The plant uses this stored water during dry periods—a strategy shared by many plants in arid environments. Cacti are another well-known example of plants that rely on water storage.
The Canary Islands candle plant is deciduous, shedding its leaves at the beginning of the dry season to further reduce water loss and conserve moisture.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Mediterranean House
- Danish name: Abe-kleinia
- Latin name: Kleinia neriifolia
- Family: Daisy family / Asteraceae
- Natural habitat: The Canary Islands