''Aichryson dumosum'' is a critically endangered species of succulent plant of the family

Crassulaceae The Crassulaceae (from Latin ''crassus'', thick), also known as the stonecrop family or the orpine family, are a diverse family of dicotyledon flowering plants characterized by succulent leaves and a unique form of photosynthesis, known as Crass ...

endemic Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsew ...

Madeira ) , anthem = ( en, "Anthem of the Autonomous Region of Madeira") , song_type = Regional anthem , image_map=EU-Portugal_with_Madeira_circled.svg , map_alt=Location of Madeira , map_caption=Location of Madeira , subdivision_type=Sovereign st ...

Description

''Aichryson dumosum'' is a

glandular In animals, a gland is a group of cells in an animal's body that synthesizes substances (such as hormones) for release into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland). Structure De ...

plant up to in height, with reddish purple branches. Flowers are in diagonal, most with 7 petals, in loose summits. Petals , lanceolate, bright golden yellow with a dorsal central rib

Distribution and Habitat

The species is endemic to one single locality on Calheta Municipality,

Madeira Island Madeira is a Portuguese island, and is the largest and most populous of the Madeira Archipelago. It has an area of , including Ilhéu de Agostinho, Ilhéu de São Lourenço, Ilhéu Mole (northwest). As of 2011, Madeira had a total population of ...

and is estimated to have around 50 to 250 individuals occupying only . It grows in crevices and sheltered areas typical for micro-habitats consisting of an agglomeration of rocks. It is mainly threatened by invasive species, trampling, fires, droughts and landslides.

References

dumosum Endemic flora of Madeira {{crassulaceae-stub