As you travel around the island of Tenerife, you will see many beautiful species of native flora from the many stunning Cacti to the famous Bird of Paradise plant. Tenerife is an island of contrast, with beautiful plants spring up everywhere from the barren lanscape left by the volcanic activity.

The contrasts between the reds and charcoal greys of the landscape and the greens, oranges and reds of the plant life is striking. 

The flowers of the Tenerife Bird of Paradise grow in horizontal inflorences and then emerge from the spathe, to create the spectacular show that is the Bird of Paradise. The spathe not only protects the inflorences as they grow but also creates a perch for the Sun Bird to rest on as it visits the flower. The weight of the bird then opens the spathe and the pollen is released onto the birds feet. As the bird moves from plant to plant it distributes the pollen on it feet, pollinating plants for the next seasons growth.

This plant has become an unofficial mascot of Tenerife and you will find these plants on the many roundabouts and town verges throughout the island infact the picture above was taken on a trip to Palm  Mar.