About Digitalis canariensis L.
Digitalis canariensis L. is a species of small evergreen plants that grow into rounded shrubs reaching up to 150 cm in height. Its leaves are lanceolate-ovoid with toothed margins, arranged in a spiral pattern along stems. The inflorescence is a cluster of orange-reddish flowers each up to 3 cm long. These flowers have short petals and distinct upper and lower lips. This species has been documented to be bird-pollinated by island populations of Phylloscopus species. It produces a capsule as its fruit. Digitalis canariensis contains cardenolides, also known as cardiac glycosides, which are toxic. Documented medical use for this species is primarily historical. Digitalis canariensis is endemic to the Canary Islands, where it grows on the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, and La Palma. It can be found growing in laurel forests and Erica arborea woods.
