Above the region of arborescent heaths, called Monte Verde, lies the region of ferns. Nowhere else have I seen such a profusion of pteris, blechnum and asplenium. The roots of the Pteris aquilina serve as food for the inhabitants of Palma and Gomera; they grate it to a bit powder and mix in a bit of barley flour, which when boiled is called gofio. The use of such a primitive food is proof of the misery of the peasants of the Canary Islands. Monte Verde is scored by several small and arid ravines. Above the zone of ferns we reached a juniper and pine wood, severely punished by storms.