Digitalis canariensis

Digitalis canariensis (common name: Canary Island foxglove)^[4] is a member of the genus Digitalis.

Digitalis canariensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Plantaginaceae
Genus:	Digitalis
Species:	D. canariensis
Binomial name
Digitalis canariensis L.[1]
Synonyms[2][3]
Isoplexis canariensis (L.) Loudon Callianassa canariensis (L.) Webb & Berthel. Digitalis lurida Salisb.

Taxonomy

This species is part of section Isoplexis, which was temporarily accepted as an own genus. The synonym Isoplexis canariensis also continues to be used. In general, as of 2017, opinions concerning the taxonomic status of Isoplexis species differ depending on the source.^[2][3]

Description

Individuals of these species are small, evergreen plants growing into rounded shrubs up to 150 cm tall.^[5] The plant has lanceolate-ovoid leaves with toothed margins. The leaves are spirally arranged. The inflorescence is a cluster of orange-reddish flowers up to 3 cm in length, with short petals and noticeable upper and lower lip. Bird pollination by the island populations of Phylloscopus species has been documented. The fruit is a capsule.

D. canariensis, fruit

Digitalis canariensis contains cardenolides (cardiac glycosides),^[6] which are toxic. Medical use is documented, primarily historical in nature.

Distribution

Digitalis canariensis is endemic to the Canary Islands where it occurs on the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma.^[3][7] It grows in laurel forest and Erica arborea woods.