In spring, the enormous flowers of the red tajinaste (red tajinaste) rise to the sky above the Cañadas del Teide, presenting one of the most striking natural spectacles in an area already of singular beauty.
It is endemic to the island of Tenerife and has its natural habitat in the rocky Cañadas del Teide. During the spring months, the inflorescences in the form of long, sinuous cones of the red tagine (Echium wildpretii) They rise several meters high—in some cases even three—in striking contrast to the mineral tones of the volcanic rock. Rare blood-colored flowers in the breathtakingly beautiful setting of the enormous caldera, crowned by the peak of the great volcano.
This extravagant-looking plant is a biennial who dedicates his first year of life to developing a dense and long rosette Formed by long, thin, gray-blue, plush-like leaves. During the second year, it invests all its energy in producing a single inflorescence made up of thousands of tiny red flowers rich in pollen and nectar, delighting the island's bees.
Tajinaste honey
The creamy and smooth honey of Tenerife (which has a protected designation of origin) comes from these flowers and other species of tajinastes that grow on the island. Bees are pollinating agents essential for the survival of these plants, as they die when the flower withers and they need to generate the seeds that will allow them to reproduce. Once dried, the long spears become ethereal, ghostly silhouettes.
An emblematic flower and the pride of Tenerife, the red tajinaste can also be seen in La Fortaleza, the Ucanca Valley, near the national inn, and in the charming village of Vilaflor, just a stone's throw from Mount Teide.
Other Canarian tajinastes
El Echium wildpretii It owes its specific name to Hermann Wildpret, the Swiss-German horticulturist and garden designer who in the 19th century was chief botanist at the La Orotava Acclimatization Garden in Tenerife, whose collections he significantly expanded. The name tajinaste comes from the Guanche language and means needle.
The Canary Islands are home to some 15 species and subspecies of endemic tajinastes. In La Palma the pastel pink version of the Echium wildpretii, the subspecies trichosiphon. There are also blue-flowered tajinastes, such as the Echium callithyrsum, endemic to Gran Canaria, and the Echium webbii, from La Palma, a beautiful shrub shaped like a candelabra, or with white flowers, like the Echium simplex, Tenerife native.
What is red tajinaste: taxonomy, appearance and distinctive features
As a part of the genus Echium and the family Boraginaceae, the red tajinaste is a biennial plant which displays a basal rosette the first year and, in the second, emits a imposing conical spike loaded with thousands of flowers. In optimal conditions it reaches up to 3 meters high in flower, with linear lanceolate leaves that are somewhat rough to the touch, covered with a pubescence that reduces water loss. The flowers are usually red or pink and, depending on the soil and exposure, may acquire slightly bluish hues. Even after drying, the skeleton of the inflorescence maintains a architectural interest very decorative.
The genre groups around 60 species distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin, Canary Islands and Madeira. Among the best known for gardening are Echium fastuosum, E. vulgare, E. webbii, E. simplex, Echium callithyrsum o E. hierrense, each with particularities of size, flower color and appearance.
Natural habitat, ecology and pollinators
In its environment, the red tajinaste thrives in volcanic environments high mountains with strong sunlight, soils poor and stony and a marked temperature range between day and night. These conditions explain many of its growing needs: full sun, extreme drainage and spaced waterings. Its massive flowering is a magnet for bees and butterflies, which is why it is considered a main honey plant in Tenerife and the basis of local honeys highly esteemed.
The plant completes its cycle when the seeds mature; that is why it is key to allow the pollination and setting if you want self-repopulation. In gardens, if you want to control spontaneous sowing, you can let the spike dry and cut it when the seeds are ripe, storing them for future plantings.
Essential care: light, soil, irrigation and climate
Luz: needs to direct sun for most of the day to bloom vigorously and maintain its compact shape. Shade reduces flowering and lengthens the stems.
Land: the critical factor is the sewer system. Tolerates soils poor, stony or volcanic, and appreciates some organic matter as long as it doesn't compromise porosity. For a pot or flowerbed, a mixture of coarse sand or gravel (40-50%), mineral substrate (pumice, volcanic or perlite, 20-30%) and an aerated organic component (peat or mature compost, 20-30%).
Irrigation: Is xerophilic. Water moderately, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry completely between applications. In warm climates, a deep watering every 7-10 days is sufficient; in cool climates, space it even further apart. Avoid waterlogging, the main cause of root rot.
Temperature and wind: It withstands heat and wind without problems, being the ventilation an ally against fungi. Although it can tolerate light cold, it is preferable protect from frost, especially in the juvenile phase and in pots.
Nutrition: does not require regular fertilizers. A light contribution of mature compost Early in the season it improves the start, but excess fertilizer can soften tissues and reduce resilience.
Caring for the Echium wildpretii or Red Tajinaste plant |
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The gender echium belongs to the family of Boraginaceae and is made up of about 60 species of herbaceous plants from the Mediterranean basin, the Canary Islands and Madeira. Some species are: Echium wildpretii, Echium fastuosum, Echium lycopsis, Echium rubrum, Echium vulgare, Echium decaisnei, Echium creticum, Echium simplex, Echium callithyrsum, Echium webbii, Echium hierrense. It is also known by the common name of Tajinaste rojo. It is a species endemic to the island of Tenerife. Echium wildpretii is a biennial herbaceous plant (it takes 2 years to complete its biological cycle) that can measure Meters 3 when it blooms. It has a curious and interesting conical shape. The leaves, linear-lanceolate in shape, arise in a rosette and can measure up to 30 cm in length. The most interesting thing is its large conical inflorescence full of flowers red or pink that can turn blue; they bloom from late spring to early summer in its second year. These flowers are honey-producing and attract numerous bees and butterflies. Even when the plant dies and dries up, it can be decorative. Can be employed as an isolated specimen, in small groups and to add touches of colour to the lawn. The red Tajinaste needs a exposure full sun and high temperatures and although it can tolerate the cold, it is better not to expose it to frost. The only requirement for the soil is that it is well drained; although it can live in stony and poor soils, it will appreciate a little organic matter. It resists drought quite well, so it is irrigation They will be moderated by waiting for the soil to dry. The red Tajinaste does not need pruning ni Fertilizers. Echium wildpretii is a plant that is resistant to wind and the usual plagues and diseases; we just need to watch out for excess moisture. Also, if you're interested in learning more about growing them, you can visit the section how to grow the red tea plant. Usually spread from seeds sown in spring in a sandy, slightly moist substrate. Sowing and Propagation: Stress-Free Seeds and Transplants
Seeds: Sow in late winter or spring, in a tray or wide pot with substrate sandy and porous. It covers only 2-3 mm, since many seeds of echium necesitan light to germinateKeep the substrate slightly moist (not soaked) until emergence. Germination: with mild temperatures, it emerges in 2-4 weeks. It provides good ventilation to avoid damping-off and gradually accustom to more intense sun. Transplant: When the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, transfer them to an individual container. Handle the container carefully. root ball; fleshy roots do not tolerate mistreatment well. Avoid late transplants in the second year to avoid compromising the flowering. Direct sowing: In temperate-dry climates, it is viable in well-drained flowerbeds. Mark the spots where you want the spikes and thin them out, leaving the rosette teacher every 40-60 cm, according to expected vigor. Potted growing and garden design
Pots: Choose containers 30-40 cm in diameter and depth, with several drainage holes. Clay pots help dissipate moisture. Place a layer of gravel in the base and use the mineral mixture described above. Water thoroughly and let dry; in very hot weather, elevate the pot on legs to promote airflow. Tutors: In very windy locations, install discreet tutors at the beginning of the second year to avoid breaking the flower spike. Combinations: looks especially good with succulents (Aloe, Agave, euphorbia), low-growing ornamental grasses and Mediterranean perennials (lavenders, santolinas). In rockeries and xeriscapes it provides a vertical focus spectacular. Security: Hairy leaves can cause slight irritations on sensitive skin. Wear gloves when transplanting and pruning. Other species and subspecies of tajinasteIn addition to the iconic Echium wildpretii, in the Canary Islands there are species of great ornamental value: the blue tajinaste from Gran Canaria (E. callithyrsum), the white tajinaste (E. simplex) endemic to Tenerife, the tajinaste from La Palma (E. webbii) of bushy appearance, and E. wildpretii subsp. trichosiphon, with pastel pink flowers in La Palma. This diversity confirms the adaptation of the genre to island environments and its enormous value for the pollination . Common problems and how to avoid themExcess of water: causes yellowing, leaf drop, and neck collapse. Check drainage and reduce watering. A substrate that is too fine or compact increases the risk of mushrooms. lack of sun: shorter spikes and sparse flowering. Relocate to exposure full. Snails and slugs: can damage young rosettes. Use physical barriers or specific baits to maintain the to maximise security and your enjoyment. of pets and useful fauna. frostJuveniles are sensitive. Protect with a heat mat or move pots to a sheltered area during critical periods. The uniqueness of the red tajinaste lies in its biennial cycle, its impressive spike and its ability to thrive where other plants fail. Respecting direct sun, sewer system With excellent flowering and prudent watering, you can enjoy blooms that transform the garden. Its honey-producing role, its landscape value, and the diversity of the genus echium In the Canary Islands, it becomes an essential option for lovers of xeriscape and sculptural blooms. |
