Andalucia Life Fauna and Flora, Flowers of Andalucia Southern Spain

Gibraltar Candytuft - Iberis gibraltarica

One of the rarest plants in Europe is in full flower until June and easily found by anybody who is prepared to walk up the first part of the Mediterranean Steps track on Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Candytuft grows on stony limestone ground and in limestone crevices on cliffs. It is a native of North Africa although recent attempts to find it there have resulted in only a handful of desultory plants growing on cliffs in Morocco being spotted. Gibraltar is the only European location for this species.

For those unable to attempt the steps I understand there is a specimen growing in a flower bed alongside the main gate to the Almeda gardens although I have not seen it (Ed.)