The north of Tenerife suffered a notable natural loss this week. In the municipality of Los Realejos, a historic dragon tree, locally known as a drago, was blown over after several days of heavy rain and strong winds. The tree, estimated to be more than two centuries old, stood near the San Francisco cemetery and was considered by many residents to be an important symbol of the village.
The fall occurred in the evening after the passage of the storm Regina, which brought unstable weather to the Canary Islands in recent days. According to local authorities, the area experienced intense rainfall and powerful wind gusts. This combination may have affected the stability of the soil and the tree’s root system, ultimately causing the centuries-old specimen to collapse.
Consequences not only symbolic
The consequences were not only symbolic. When the tree fell, it damaged several elements in the immediate surroundings. A wall, part of a house and public lighting infrastructure were affected. In addition, several parked cars were struck by falling branches and parts of the trunk. In total, at least six vehicles are reported to have suffered damage.
For the residents of Los Realejos, the incident meant more than simply losing a tree. The dragon tree had been part of the streetscape in the Realejo Bajo district for generations. Local officials and residents therefore spoke of the disappearance of a landmark that had been present in the daily life of the community for decades. According to regional authorities, the tree was one of the “silent guardians of the landscape” and an important piece of the island’s natural heritage.
Dragon trees closely linked to the identity of the islands
Dragon trees, officially known as Dracaena draco, are strongly connected to the history and identity of the Canary Islands. They grow very slowly and can live for hundreds of years. For this reason, old specimens are often regarded as living monuments within the landscape. Tenerife is internationally known for this remarkable tree species, some examples of which have achieved iconic status.
Following the fall of the tree, specialists from several institutions, including botanical and environmental services of the Canary Islands government, arrived at the site to carry out investigations. They are taking samples and analysing the conditions in order to better understand why the tree collapsed. Although the storm was likely a major factor, experts also want to determine whether other elements, such as the condition of the roots or the soil, may have played a role.
Creating a memorial?
The municipality of Los Realejos is now working together with the Cabildo of Tenerife to safely remove the remains of the tree and repair the damage in the surrounding area. At the same time, discussions have begun on how to preserve the memory of the historic dragon tree, for example by creating a memorial spot or planting new trees.
Although Tenerife is still home to many impressive dragon trees, this incident highlights how vulnerable even centuries-old natural monuments can be when extreme weather conditions occur. For many residents in the north of the island, the loss of this tree remains an emotional moment and a reminder of the importance of protecting Tenerife’s natural heritage.
Photo: Unsplash
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