This first level of vegetation occupies the lowest slopes on all the islands, from sea level to an altitude of 350 m, and is influenced by its proximity to the sea. The species that develop here are adapted to infrequent precipitation, high temperatures throughout the year, a high degree of insolation and very poor soils. The piso basal lowlands are dominated by halophytic vegetation, which is able to grow in salt-rich environments, and psammophylic plants, which are adapted to sandy substrates, like the tamarisks (Tamarix). Outside the direct influence of the sea, is the important cardonal-tabaibal formation, comprising succulents, and one of the most typical of the Canaries. Here the most common species are the Canary Island spurge (Euphorbia canariensis) and various other plants from the genus Euphorbia (E. balsamifera, E. regis-jubae, etc.), that can be found together with the verode (Kleinia neriifolia), Ceropegia fusca, Plocama pendula, and Launaea arborescens.
