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Natural Monuments
Monumento Natural de La Montaña de Tejina
Description
La Montaña de Tejina is a volcanic dome that is over 2 million years old, formed during the same geological period as Las Cañadas.
Recommended time to visit: All year round.
Geology
In this period, the mountain served as a barrier, diverting and accumulating pyroclastic flows of gas and ash coming from eruptions in the upper part of the island You can see many traces of this activity in the composition of the surrounding terrain.
For example, to the east of la Montaña de Tejina there is a deposit of yellow pumice stone, lying today underneath the hamlet of Las Fuentes, which was formed by a huge layer of pyroclasts.
The passing of time and periods of intense rain have eroded the mountain, giving it its current shape. This is how the impressive Guaira ravine was formed, a narrow channel to the north of la Montaña de Tejina.
Flora and fauna
La Montaña de Tejina is located in an area suited to pine forest, hence the presence of jaras (Cistus symphytifolius), escobones (Chamaecytisus proliferus) and Canary Island pine trees.
Higher up, where there is greater humidity, you can find tree heath (Erica arborea), balillo (Atalanthus pinnatus), malfurada (Hypericum grandifolium) and amagante (Cistus symphytifolius). However, at lower altitudes you will find numerous species typical of the lowlands, such as tabaiba amarga (Euphorbia lamarckii), verode (Kleinia neriifolia) and cardón (Euphorbia canariensis).
To the left of the Guaira ravine there is a cluster of tabaiba mejorera (Euphorbia atropurpurea), among which are hidden some dragon trees. And in some parts of nearby ravines you will also be able to find thermophile forest species, such as the Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea), cardo de cumbre, jasmine, Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica), peralillo (Gymnosporia cassinoides) and jócamo (Teucrim heterophyllum).
In terms of fauna, of particular note is the European free-tailed bat.
La Montaña de Tejina is also a breeding area for many birds, including the Barbary falcon, plain swift, common buzzard, crow and Scopoli's shearwater. In order to protect these species, activities such as climbing are not permitted during the falcon’s breeding season.
With regards invertebrates, the scientific community has registered 17 species in the area, many of which are endemic.
Technical information sheet
Surface area
169.7 hectares (0.8% of the island)
Species of interest
Jara (Cistus symphytifolius), escobón (Chamaecytisus proliferus), Canary Island pine, tree heath (Erica arborea), balillo (Atalanthus pinnatus), malfurada (Hypericum grandifolium), amagante (Cistus symphytifolius), tabaiba amarga (Euphorbia lamarckii), verode (Kleinia neriifolia), cardón (Euphorbia canariensis), tabaiba mejorera (Euphorbia atropurpurea), dragon tree, Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea), cardo de cumbre, jasmine, Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica), peralillo (Gymnosporia cassinoides), jócamo (Teucrim heterophyllum), European free-tailed bat, Barbary falcon, plain swift, common buzzard, crow, Scopoli's shearwater.
Ecosystems
Pine forest, thermophile, tabaiba mejorera (Euphorbia atropurpurea).
Places of interest
Barranco de Guaira, caserío de Las Fuentes.
Regulations
To consult permits for use and updated regulations for this Protected Natural Area, visit the official website of the Government of the Canary Islands.
Municipalities
- Guía de Isora