La myrica faya It is a very characteristic tree of the Atlantic laurel forests. It has a fairly fast growth rate and is very adaptable, so much so that it is found in humid regions as well as in the driest and windiest ones.
But precisely for this reason it is considered an invasive species. In fact, outside its habitat it is included in the list of the 100 most harmful invasive alien species in the world of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Learn to recognize it.
Origin and characteristics
La myrica faya, popularly known as Faya, Faya de las Islas, Fayero or Hay de Canarias, It is a tree that reaches a height of between 3 and 18 meters. It is endemic to the Macaronesian region, being in the Canary Island laurel. Its leaves are evergreen, 1-4cm long by 1-3cm wide, dark green in color.
The flowers appear in winter and spring, in elongated clusters. The fruit is a black berry with a rough, globose appearance and about 5mm in diameter, known as growth or phyto. This can be eaten, although it leaves your tongue somewhat rough.
What uses does it have?
Image - Wikimedia / James Steakley
In their habitat, It is used to make pitchforks, poles, pitchforks and pitchforks. It is also popular as a bed for animals, and its wood is good for building small household utensils.
But as we said, in the rest of the world it is considered an invasive species; Furthermore, on the islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro (Canary Islands), it is easily hybridized with the Myrica rivas-martinezii, which is endemic to these areas and is in danger of extinction.
Have you heard of this plant? To have a healthy and well-cared garden it is necessary to know which are the invasive plants, since otherwise we could end up having serious problems.
We leave you the link to the list of the 100 most harmful species: click.