Parque Nacional Garajonay

Southern olive (Picconia excelsa)

A tree endemic to Macaronesia, belonging to the olive family. It is relatively common both in areas that are not very damp and sunny of the monteverde, and in damp and shady locations. Much appreciated by rats which bite into its young shoots, the white tree is easy to distinguish as, apart from the rough, whitish bark, the leaves, in a brilliant dark green colour, grow in opposed fashion.  The wood which is white and very hard was used in the construction and preparation of agricultural tools. Flowering: mid February-mid April