Syn.: Mnemion cheiranthifolium (Humb. et Bonpl.) Webb et Berthel., Viola teydea Berthel.
Family: Violaceae Batsch
Distribution: Endemic to the Canary Islands, found only on the island of Tenerife.
Ecology: It grows on dry and stony slopes of the volcano Teide in the central region of Tenerife, in pumice and lava, in elevations from 2100 to 2800 m asl. It blooms from April to May.
Description: Perennial herb, 5–15 cm tall. Leaves alternate, petiolate, lanceolate to spathulate, dentate to entire, greyish-silvery. Flowers hermaphrodite, solitary, corolla zygomorphic, sepals 5, persistent, petals 5, free, blue, with white and yellow markings, lateral petals directed upwards, lower petal spurred, spur short. Fruit a 3-valved capsule.
These images were taken in Spain, the Canary Islands, Tenerife, Pico de Teide (May 30, 2007).
