Iconic Los Realejos Dragon Tree Falls; Council Pledges Aid

The Los Realejos City Council has announced it will pay for the damage caused when the San Francisco dragon tree fell. This tree, which was a protected cultural landmark, damaged seven cars. The council will use its own money or insurance to cover these costs while they investigate why the tree fell.

The mayor, Adolfo González, cut short his holiday to deal with the situation. He has offered to help the car owners and is coordinating the town's services, including Environment, Rural Development, and Local Police. The area where the tree stood has been fenced off so experts can inspect the ground.

Many people in the Canary Islands are very upset about the loss of this dragon tree, as it was a significant symbol of their heritage and identity. The mayor himself called it an "emblem" of Realejo Bajo, noting its importance to the local plants, scenery, and history of the town. For centuries, it had been a key feature of the San Francisco area.

Historian Manuel Jesús Hernández confirmed the tree's importance. It was located on the Santa Lucía hillock, close to an old convent. Hernández pointed out that travelers in the 1800s mentioned the tree, and maps from the late 19th century (around 1885-1888) already showed it was very large. This suggests it might have been planted in the mid-1700s. He also highlighted its position overlooking the Godínez ravine and its cultural significance, such as locals traditionally using its sap.

To find out exactly why the tree fell, several experts have visited the site. These include technicians from the Canary Islands Government's Plant Health Department, the Botanical Garden, the Dragon Tree Park, and the La Tahonilla Environmental Center. They were joined by the town's agronomist, Tesi Hernández, and Head of Gardening, Mercedes González. They have visually inspected the area and taken samples. This will lead to a detailed analysis and a final technical report.