Climate and vegetation
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.
Vegetation and crops
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.).
