La Laguna Council Approves Dragon Tree Protection Plan
San Cristóbal de La Laguna City Council unanimously approved a proposal by Drago Verdes Canarias to enhance protection for the iconic Canary Islands dragon tree, following concerns over an exposed specimen.
On Thursday, the San Cristóbal de La Laguna City Council fully agreed to a proposal from Councillor Carmen Padilla Curbelo of the Drago Verdes Canarias group. This proposal aims to better protect the Canary Islands dragon tree in the local area.
The idea for this proposal came after a complaint in October. The Drago Verdes Canarias group heard about a dragon tree on private land that was over 75 years old and had a trunk 1.75 meters around. Its condition was a concern. The proposal stated that protective walls around the tree had been taken down, leaving it exposed. There was also machinery nearby and ground being moved.
Because of this, the group wrote to both the City Council and the Cabildo de Tenerife. They asked for action, including checking the property and assessing the dragon tree's health.
The proposal explains how important this famous tree is for the environment, biology, and culture. It points out the dragon tree's long history in the Canary Islands and its listing in Spain's Catalogue of Protected Species. It reminds everyone that the Canary Islands dragon tree is a key part of the islands' natural heritage. Various environmental laws protect it, including its inclusion in the Catalogue of Singular Trees of the Canary Islands and the National Catalogue of Threatened Species.
The proposal also stresses the tree's cultural significance. Historically, it has been used for medicine, dyes, and wood. It also appears in historical sites and is a strong part of the islands' traditional stories.
The proposal includes ten specific agreements:
Councillor Carmen Padilla Curvelo of Drago Verdes Canarias signed the proposal in La Laguna on December 4, 2025.