Donncha Ó Catháin
donncha-oc.bsky.social
Donncha Ó Catháin
@donncha-oc.bsky.social
4/4 Super-sized heaths (Erica species), species of which in Ireland rarely grow above knee-height, form a canopy which you can walk beneath. Pictured here are Erica platycodon and Erica canariensis - both of which are Macaronesian endemic species
January 8, 2026 at 1:11 AM
3/4 There are also interesting links to the Irish flora. The Irish Spleenwort (Asplenium onopteris), a rare species in Ireland, is abundant in the laurisilva.

Tenerife (and other Macaronesian islands) are also a stronghold for the Killarney Fern (Vandenboschia speciosa)
January 8, 2026 at 1:11 AM
2/4 The humid conditions result in an abundance of ferns, mosses, and lichens. Pictured here are Canary Islands Wood Fern (Dryopteris oligodonta) and Hare's-foot Fern (Davallia canariensis)
January 8, 2026 at 1:11 AM
*generally (not greatly)
November 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM
There's a definitely a learning curve with sedges (I'm still learning!) but it's rewarding when you start to recognize them in the field!
The BSBI handbook has v. good B&W line drawings that I find very useful. Good luck 🍀
May 29, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Hi Margaret, I think there are two sedge species in your photos - possibly Carex nigra (only male flower in view showing yellowish anthers) & a species of Eleocharis (E. palustris maybe)
May 28, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Lovely! some filmy-ferns in the last pic too 🍀
April 25, 2025 at 10:16 AM