Aizoon canariense L.
Canarian aizoon
Annual succulent herb typical of the arid coastlines of the Canary Islands and western Mediterranean, popularly known as tasaigo in the Canaries. Forms prostrate mats of fleshy stems with oval pale green leaves covered in crystalline papillae that give them a glistening, frost-like appearance. Small whitish-yellow flowers with numerous stamens emerge between the leaves. Highly tolerant of salinity, drought, and poor sandy soils. A species described by Linnaeus and widely distributed in the Mediterranean region as a coastal halophyte.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Aizoon |
| Growth Habit | Prostrate to semi-erect annual herb, mat-forming, with succulent stems |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern; widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin and Canary Islands |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.5 |
| Type | Saline coastal sand, poor and very permeable soil |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Oval to spatulate, 1–4 cm long, alternate, fleshy; surface densely covered with crystalline vesicular papillae that trap light and reduce transpiration under high-salinity conditions.
ecoProstrate to decumbent, 10–40 cm long, branched; fleshy and succulent, pale green to greyish.
ecoSmall, actinomorphic, whitish-yellow to cream; numerous stamens with very visible yellow anthers; fleshy sepals persistent in fruit.
ecoTaproot with fine lateral roots actively exploring shallow saline sandy soils for moisture.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Saline coastal sand, poor and very permeable soil
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow directly in beach sand or saline sandy substrate in spring.
- 2 Keep the temperature between 20–25 °C and water very sparingly.
- 3 Germination occurs in 7–14 days under tolerable high-salinity conditions.
- 4 Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm spacing when they reach 2–3 cm.
- 1 Cut succulent stems of 5–8 cm in spring.
- 2 Allow the cut to dry for 1–2 days.
- 3 Insert in moist saline sand; roots quickly in warm conditions.
- 4 Transplant outdoors after 3–4 weeks of establishment.
Add sea salt to the irrigation water (1–2 g/L) to mimic natural habitat conditions.
Planting in moisture-retaining organic substrate, causing rot within days.
Annual plant; resow each year directly in the final substrate
No fertilisation in natural coastal conditions; in cultivation, a very diluted mineral feed once in spring
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic; seeds and green parts occasionally used in traditional food.
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"The vesicular papillae of A. canariense are specialised structures that accumulate salt extracted from the soil and irrigation water, protecting against ionic toxicity through a secretion-accumulation mechanism in dead epidermal cells that reflect sunlight."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.