Helianthemum canariense
# Helianthemum canariense

Helianthemum canariense is a species of flowering plant in the family Cistaceae, native to Western Sahara, Morocco and the Canary Islands.

## Description

Helianthemum canariense is a short, densely branched shrub up to 25 cm (10 in) tall. Its oval leaves are greyish in appearance due to a dense covering of short hairs, and are 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long. The pale yellow flowers are about 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) across.

* Flower

## Taxonomy

The species was first described by Nikolaus von Jacquin in 1781 or 1782, as Cistus canariensis, and transferred to Helianthemum in 1806 by Christiaan Persoon.

## Distribution and habitat

Helianthemum canariense is native to the Canary Islands, Western Sahara and Morocco. In the Canary Islands, it is found on all islands in dry areas, up to altitudes of 600 m (2,000 ft).

