| |
The
temperatures recorded in the area are warm and stable thanks to the impact
of the trade winds, particularly in the summer, and the cool ocean breeze.
Rainfall is irregular, and there is more in the mountains – orographic
rain. The highest figures are recorded in the months of November, December,
January and February, although there is also some rainfall in October
and March. From the perspective of its climate, the lowest area in the
town’s district, that is, the part between the coastline and an
altitude of approximately 900 feet, is characterised by its aridness.
The vegetation is therefore typically xerophilous and the most abundant
species are "aulaga" (Launaea arborescens), leafless spurge,
Canary Island spurge, pinwheel and some imported species, primarily prickly
pears and American aloe. There are also some Phoenix canariensis palm
groves in the beds of some ravines. These low lands have been completely
transformed since the Conquest, with the new export crops. The lower border
of the legendary “Doramas’ Woods” reached “midlands”
(above 900 – 1,200 feet, a transition area between the coast and
the central peaks) up to the end of the 15th century, of which just a
few highly degraded parts remain. This area is now dominated by traditional
crops (corn, potatoes, etc.) making the most of the area’s greater
humidity (dryland crops), together with bushes, largely Canary Island
Hypericum (Hypericum canariense), which has taken over during recent years
wherever agriculture is no longer practised. On the hillsides surrounding
Arucas, we also find several groups of eucalyptus trees (Eucaliptus sp.).
 
|