New Dragon Tree Planted in Los Realejos Amid Calls for Better Species Protection

A new dragon tree has been planted at the San Francisco cemetery in Los Realejos, replacing a 200-year-old specimen that collapsed last March. In the Canary Islands, these trees are more than just plants; they are a vital part of the region's cultural identity. Replacing the fallen 17-meter tree with a new seven-meter one was a complex task that involved improving drainage and carefully selecting a healthy specimen to ensure it thrives.

The new tree will be blessed next Monday by Bishop Eloy Santiago during the procession of Our Lady Mother of the Afflicted. This replanting comes at a difficult time for the species, as another historic dragon tree in La Laguna’s Plaza de Los Remedios recently fell due to ground instability caused by heavy rain. These losses have sparked a debate about how best to protect the Dracaena draco.

Experts point to a lack of clear regulations and official inventories as a major problem. While the Canary Islands government has left the responsibility of protecting these trees to local municipalities, many are currently left without proper oversight. Biodiversity experts from the Cabildo of Tenerife warn that because these trees are deeply tied to the island’s history and landscape, stricter maintenance protocols are urgently needed.

The Los Realejos City Council has taken a proactive approach, rebuilding surrounding walls and providing specialized root care to protect the new tree. While dragon trees grow naturally in rugged, inaccessible areas, those planted in urban settings face constant threats from soil changes and extreme weather. Local authorities must now manage these risks more carefully if they hope to preserve the 38 monumental dragon trees still standing on the island.