Digitalis canariensis (common name: Canary Island foxglove) is a member of the genus Digitalis.
Taxonomy This species is part of section Isoplexis, which was temporarily accepted as a separate 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.
Description Individuals of these species are evergreen plants growing into rounded shrubs up to tall. 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 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.
Digitalis canariensis contains cardenolides (cardiac glycosides),P. Studer, S. K. Pavanaram, C. R. Gavilanes, Horst Linde, Kuno Meyer: Die Glykoside der Blätter von Digitalis canariensis. Helvetica 46/1, 1963, 23-45. 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. It grows in laurel forest and Erica arborea woods.
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