Macaronesia is the name given to the groups of Islands which scatter across the centre of the Atlantic. One such group is the Canary Islands which boasts the greatest variety of flora. Throughout the Canaries there is a mixture of endemic and cultivated plants, tropical and sub-tropical.

The largest of the Canary Islands is Tenerife, which although by most standards a small island it does carry a rich diversity of plant life. One of the reasons for this diversity is the climate. Tenerife's climate is remarkably varied for such a small island, apparently caused by the winds being affected by the rugged contours of the land. There are reported to be some 140 plant species thriving on the Island thanks to the climate and variety of volcanic soils.

For anyone interested in wildlife or flora there is are many treats awaiting them on Tenerife. Although the south of the island is quite dry and barren the rest of Tenerife has a wide variety of plant life to marvel at.

The unusual Red Tajinaste, which flowers in late spring and the Las Canadas are among the most spectacular examples. The flowering Teide wall flower or Codesco spread a fantastic yellow carpet during the spring, creating a sight to remember and enjoy.

Tenerife is also well known for the Drago tree, which is one of the oldest living members of the plant kingdom. 20 million years ago it was prevalent throughout the Mediterranean but the coming of the Ice Age meant that they remained only in Madeira, the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Islands. Today they are only naturally grown in Tenerife and the neighbouring island of La Palma.

Tenerife's ancient settlers, the Guanches, revered the tree and performed sacred ceremonies with it. What was particularly interesting to them was that the colourless sap turned crimson upon contact with air and light. It became known as dragon's blood. The trees were looked after and have achieved a great age but it is difficult to be accurate because the bark does not create normal annual circles. Nevertheless, the most famous Drago tree, the Millenium Drago at Icod de los Vinos on the northern coast, is at least 650 years old and possibly over 1000 years. It is 17 metres high with a girth of 6 metres. They can be seen in most towns and villages in the north of the island. As well as the Millenium Drago, it is worth seeking out the Drago de la Ramble, magnificent against the blue ocean, and the Drago in the Sitio Litre gardens in Puerto de la Cruz.

Endemic species of wild birds also have appeal. With its dark blue feathers and elegant appearance, the Blue Chaffinch is one of the most beautiful and distinct, and is found in the pine forests. They may have originated from the nearby African continent and then evolved during their isolation on Tenerife.

About the Author

Take time to enjoy the fantastic flora and fauna of Tenerife. Too often people only see the beaches and nightlife, yet the natural world has so much to offer when walking in Tenerife

With glitz and glamour galore and romantic opportunities round every corner, if you’re starry-eyed and in love, Las Vegas is the place to be! Where else in the world can you get down on your knees and propose to your beloved at the dead of night and then say “I do” a few minutes later. Sin City, the city that never sleeps, offers young lovers myriad unique romantic escapades.

Ever dreamt of traveling the world with your beloved but just could not afford it? Here’s your chance of making your dreams come true. Have breakfast Las Vegas style, right in the middle of an exciting casino. Then head off and experience a little bit of Italy as you take a ride aboard an authentic Venetian gondola through the Grand Canal. The serenading gondolier is guaranteed to up the romance quotient as you glide under quaint little Venetian-style bridges and sail past charming road-side cafes.

Go straight from the gondolas of Venice to the Moroccan bazaar. Spend the afternoon browsing through unusual bric-a-brac at this middle-eastern market place and exploring King Tut’s tomb right here in Las Vegas. And then at night, dress up in your glamorous best and have dinner at the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas. At a height that is exactly half of its counterpart in Paris, France, you can still take an elevator to the top of the tower and admire the spectacular views of the city from over 400 feet above the ground. Feel the romance as you take in the never-ending rows of sparkling neon lights reflecting your very own love-filled starry eyes.

The night is always young in Las Vegas. There are several live performances, concerts and cabaret shows to go to and of course, there’s always the gambling, which never stops.

If all that’s not enough, you could just waltz into the Clark Country Courthouse anytime of the night on a public holiday, apply for a marriage license and sweep your beloved off her feet with an impromptu wedding at an all-night wedding chapel.

About the Author

Get the latest Las Vegas News at Las Vegas News Online