The surreal slopes of Mount Teide, Tenerife, Spain 17 Feb 2017
About this photo
Canary Island pines grow sporadically on the edge of a forest, on the middle slopes of Mount Teide, an active volcano, in Tenerife, Spain. Endemic to the outer Canary Islands, these pines have the highest tolerance for drought of all pine species; they can grow with less than 200mm of rainfall. Their needles have an adept ability to catch condensation from Atlantic mists that blow over the islands, dropping water to the soil where it is absorbed into their roots.
Canary Island pines are also one of the most fire-resistant trees in the world. The wood is hard, durable and strong and has been harvested in damaging amounts in the past.
Hike Mount Teide for yourself, drawing in the scent of pine forests on Insight Guides' Tenerife Explored trip.
