Digitalis canariensis

Digitalis canariensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Asterids
Order:Lamiales
Family:Plantaginaceae
Genus:Digitalis
Species: D. canariensis
Binomial name
Digitalis canariensis
Synonyms[1]
  • Isoplexis canariensis (L.) Loudon.[1]
  • Callianassa canariensis (L.) Webb & Berthel.[1]
  • Digitalis lurida Salisb.[1]

Digitalis canariensis is a member of the genus Digitalis. It is commonly called Canary Island foxglove.

Taxonomy

This species is part of section Isoplexis, which was temporarily accepted as an own genus. The synonym Isoplexis canariensis is still established. In general data concerning the state of Isoplexis-species differ depending on the source currently (2017).

Description

Individuals of these species are shrubby and evergreen plants that grow up to 150 cm tall. The plant has lanceolate-ovoid leaves. The leaf margin is sawn. In the upper part, the leaves are arranged like a rosette. The inflorescence is a cluster of orange-reddish, 3 cm large flowers with short petals and noticeable upper lip and lower lip. Bird pollination was documented (island populations of Phylloscopus-species). The fruit is a capsule.

D. canariensis, fruit

Digitalis canariensis contains cardenolids (cardiac glycosids),[2] which are toxic in the case of an overdose. Medical use is documented (primarily historic). For reasons of species conservation it is to refrain to influence wild stocks.

Distribution

Digitalis canariensis is endemic to the Canary Islands. It grows in woody areas (laurel forest, Erica arborea-covered woods) of Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 The Plant List (KEW): Isoplexis canariensis (2017-07-31)
  2. ↑ Studer, Pavanaram et al.: Die Glykoside der Blätter von Digitalis canariensis L. 1. Mitteilung, 1963.
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