Euphorbia canariensis

Euphorbia canariensis, commonly known as the Canary Island spurge, Hercules club or in Spanish cardón, is a succulent member of the genus Euphorbia and family Euphorbiaceae endemic to the Canary Islands. It is the plant symbol of the island of Gran Canaria.

Description
The Canary Island spurge is a succulent shrub, growing to between 3 and 4 m high. It is made up of fleshy quadrangular or pentagonal trunks that look like cacti. It has no leaves, instead bearing spines 5 to 14 mm long. It produces reddish-green flowers. It is hardy to -2 °C.

The latex, which contains diterpenes is poisonous.



Distribution
The species is found on the narrow coastal belt, from sea level to 1100 m in the Canary Islands.