Gefährdete endemische Blütenpflanzen der Trockeninsel Fuerteventura: Herkunft, Ökologie, Gesellschaft

Abstract

The average annual rainfall on the semi-desertic canary island Fuerteventura is about 150 mm. As a consequence waterstress is the most important ecological factor for plant life. Biodiversity on Fuerteventura is low and the most important environmental variation is depending on elevation above sea-level. The ancient natural vegetation of succulent Euphorbia balsamifera (spanish Tabaibal) was widley destroyed by man and was then naturally replaced by therophytes. The systematic relationship and the population dynamics of endangered endemic taxa like Convolvulus caput-medusae, Pulicaria burchardii, Asteriscus sericeus, Asteriscus schultzii, Euphorbia handiensis and some others are described in detail. It is shown that NW Africa was an important source for the colonisation of the Macaronesian Islands. For the surviving of this unique flora protective measures are necessary.