The plant world is full of surprising species distributed in specific areas, giving rise to enormous ecological and cultural diversity. A botanical gem endemic to Macaronesia is the Barbujana Apollonias, Also known as Barbusano, Barbuzano o Canary ebonyThis majestic tree is widely valued in the Canary Islands and Madeira, being an iconic part of their laurel forests.
La Barbujana Apollonias It is a tree that, although not world-famous, has enormous ecological, economic, and historical value. Its wood has traditionally been used in cabinetmaking and carpentry, and its shape, leaves, and fruits offer very distinctive characteristics that distinguish it from other laurel trees.
What is Apollonias barbujana?
La Barbujana Apollonias belongs to the family Lauraceae, sharing kinship with the laurel, the linden and the viñátigo. Its natural habitat is the Macaronesian Region, a group of Atlantic archipelagos consisting of the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores, Cape Verde, and the Savage Islands; although the barbusano is found exclusively in the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Name Apollonias It derives from the Greek god Apollo, a symbol of beauty and perfection, attributes reflected in both the foliage and structure of this tree, characterized by its lushness and verdure. The epithet "barbujana" is simply the Latinized form of the common Canary name "barbusano," although it appears to come from the Portuguese "barbusano" or "pau ferro."
Botanical features and detailed description
This tree It can reach spectacular dimensions, sometimes exceeding 25-30 meters in height. under optimal conditions. Its trunk is thick, robust, and straight, with a tendency to branch early. When young, the bark is smooth and has a reddish hue, but with age it becomes more grayish-brown, rough, and cracks into plates that tend to peel off easily.
At the base of the trunk it is common to observe suckers or young shoots that sprout around the main trunk, contributing to the formation of dense tree masses in nature.
The foliage of the Barbujana Apollonias It is perennial and abundant. The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical or broadly lanceolate, with a leathery texture, and an entire or slightly twisted margin. Its color is dark green and glossy when mature, although the new shoots and leaves have a striking reddish or translucent hue, a characteristic that makes it easy to identify in the forest.
Adult leaves are usually 6–10 cm long and approximately 3–4 cm wide. The midribs are very pronounced, while the secondary veins form a subtle reticulation. The short, thin petiole is also reddish and grooved. A very characteristic feature is the presence of reddish bumps or galls on the surface of the leaves, produced by the bite of the mite Aceria barbujanae o Eriophytes barbujanaeThese galls are a defense for the tree against these insects and are very common, but they do not harm its overall development.
The crown of the barbusano is generally dense, broad, and rounded. It can be conical in young specimens and becomes more globose with age. Its branching is abundant, providing shade and cooling in the forests where it grows.
As for the flowers, the Barbujana Apollonias It is hermaphrodite. It produces axillary or subterminal inflorescences in loose panicles, with abundant groups of, generally, three flowers eachThe flowers are small (8-10 mm), composed of six white, yellow, or greenish petals, with a soft fragrance and a slight odor. They usually bloom between late winter and spring, although they can also do so in summer depending on environmental conditions.
The fruits are Fleshy, elongated, ovoid berries very similar to olives. They are initially green, turning blackish or purplish as they ripen. These fruits measure between 1,5 and 2 cm, and have a smooth, fleshy covering that surrounds a single oblong-elliptical seed, about 7-8 mm in size, with a white interior. edible and pleasant tastingThe calyx is persistent and hardens, forming a dome at the base of the fruit.
Geographic distribution and habitat of Apollonias barbujana
This species is endemic to Macaronesia, found mainly in the Canary Islands and Madeira. Within the Canary Islands, the barbusano is present on all islands except Lanzarote. There are two distinct subspecies:
- Apollonias barbujana subsp. barbujana: present in Madeira, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
- Apollonias barbujana subsp. ceballosii: found sparsely in the northwest of La Gomera, distinguished by wider, lighter and fleshy leaves, a somewhat paler trunk and rounded fruits.
La Barbujana Apollonias is a characteristic species of laurel forests, a relict plant formation from the Tertiary Era that is preserved thanks to the humid and stable climate of Macaronesia. Laurel forests are subtropical rainforests of notable altitude, with mild temperatures, few or no annual frosts, and high humidity, often favored by the sea of clouds.
Although the barbusano is less demanding in water than other laurels, such as the til (Ocotea foetens) or the viñátigo (Persea indicates), also adapts to thermophilic forests It thrives in drier, sunnier climates, and can even grow in more open areas, steep slopes, humid ravines near the coast, and transitional areas between laurel forest and other vegetation types. It is rarely found above 1000 meters above sea level. It prefers clay-loam soils that are rich in organic matter and well-drained.
In the Canary Islands' monteverde forests, where humidity is high and vegetation cover is dense, the barbusano reaches its peak size and longevity. Legendary specimens in the Canary Islands, such as the great barbusano from Cuevas Negras (Tenerife), can reach heights of over 20 meters and trunk circumferences close to 4 meters.
Traditional and contemporary uses of Apollonias barbujana
El The great value of Apollonias barbujana lies in its wood, one of the most appreciated and exploited in the forestry history of the Canary Islands and Madeira. For its Dark tones (reddish, brown to black), high density, strength and durability —even in contact with water—, the wood of the barbusano was known as the "Canary Islands ebony» and it became coveted over the centuries for the following uses:
- Luxury cabinetmaking: Due to its ease of polishing, absence of knots and resistance, it is ideal for the manufacture of high-end furniture, carvings, marquetry, inlay and ornamental decoration.
- Exterior and interior carpentry: doors, windows, balconies, shutters and coffered ceilings.
- Architectural elements: balustrades, floors, stairs and ceilings.
- Shipbuilding: masts and other structural parts that require a strong wood that is not easily altered by moisture.
- Agricultural and rural instrumentsDue to its great strength, it was used to make plows, wheel axles, mill blades, and sugar mill parts. More delicate branches were also used to carve cattle bell clappers.
Many antique furniture and architectural elements in historic Canarian homes are made of barbusano. Its prolonged use and overexploitation led to a significant decline in the species in its natural state, which is why it is currently protected and its wood is difficult to find outside of restorations or very specific projects.
La white seed contained in the fleshy fruit is edible, and according to historical records, it was occasionally consumed by the Canary Islands' indigenous people (Guanches). Although it is not currently used as a culinary item, its excellent flavor is recognized.
In recent times, the Apollonias barbujana is also grown for ornamental purposes Given its leafy canopy, the attractive shine of its leaves, and the distinctive reddish color of its young shoots, it's best planted in parks, public gardens, rows of trees, or as a single specimen, provided the climate is temperate, humid, and free from severe frost.
Cultivation, maintenance and interesting facts about Apollonias barbujana
For those who wish to grow this tree, it is important to keep in mind that requires fresh, fertile and well-drained soilsAlthough it is not very demanding, it achieves its best results in clay soils rich in organic matter. It prefers average temperatures between 17 and 23°C and requires good humidity, although it tolerates moderate sun exposure, which allows it to thrive slightly outside of traditional monteverde.
The multiplication of the barbusano is done by means of seeds, which have limited viability over time and should be planted soon after harvesting. The tree grows relatively quickly.
Regarding pests and diseases, the The main condition is leaf galls caused by specific mites., but these don't usually endanger the tree. It's not very attractive to bees and has a low beekeeping impact.
The barbusano is part of Canarian cultural tradition, so much so that it has appeared on national postage stamps as a symbol of the island's flora. Its robust appearance, evergreen greenery, and the rich colors of its wood have inspired books, research, and botanical trails to admire centuries-old specimens in protected forests.
Cultivation outside these islands is difficult due to its need for a humid subtropical or temperate climate without severe frosts. However, as an ornamental tree, it is extremely attractive for large parks. In gardening, it is valued for its low maintenance requirements and natural hardiness.
Ecological value and conservation
As an essential component of laurel and thermophilous forests, Barbujana Apollonias contributes to the formation of microclimates, water retention and biodiversity in the regionIt provides shelter and food for numerous animal and plant species, contributing to the ecological balance of Macaronesian ecosystems.
The historical exploitation of the species, together with deforestation and land use change, has led to its legal protection and the promotion of conservation policies, especially in protected natural areas of the Canary Islands and Madeira. Knowledge and appreciation of this tree are essential for preserving the native plant heritage.
La Barbujana Apollonias It's much more than an ornamental tree or a source of wood: it's a natural and historical symbol of Macaronesia. The barbusano stands out for its longevity, resilience, and the beauty of its shape, leaves, and wood, as well as for its ecological importance and contribution to the islands' cultural identity. Admiring or planting a barbusano tree means supporting the biodiversity, traditions, and natural legacy of a unique territory.
