Sonchus acaulis

The Canary Island sowthistle is endemic to the Canary Islands. This subshrub does not branch, which distinguishes it from other endemic sowthistles. It can reach up to 2 meters in height when in bloom. It is perennial, with a woody base and leaves arranged in a basal rosette. The leaves can grow to over half a meter long and are pinnatifid. Its flowers are yellow and tongue-shaped, clustered in heads. These are grouped in umbrella-like synflorescences of up to 20 heads, raised above the leaves by a long floral stalk. Its fruits are covered with long hairs (pappus) for wind dispersal (anemochory). This plant goes dormant during the summer.