Stand in the shade of a great plume of branches and admire the coils and curves of the Ancient Dragon Tree, known locally as del Drago Milenario de Icod de Los Vinos. Walk in a garden of sweet-scented flowers and immerse yourself in the tree’s captivating story.
One of only a few fully grown dragon trees in the Canary Islands, this tree is very old. The exact age is unknown although it is believed to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. It stands 56 feet (17 metres) high with the root diameter at 20 feet (6 metres). Ask locals for the story behind the tree’s name. Legend says that when a dragon dies, a dragon tree is formed in its place. Its reddish sap was once the blood of a vicious fire-breathing monster.
The vast tree is easy to spot. Its broad figure and dense leafy head stand above the surroundings and have become a symbol of the Canaries. Get close to view the heavily tangled and knotted trunk that appears to bend and collapse upon itself. The trunk was fitted with an interior ventilator in 1985 to prevent fungus.
Above your head, the piled branches form a thick maze of brown and glistening green blocking the strong rays of the midday sun. Note that the trunk of the dragon tree is not woody. Instead of counting rings, tree age is calculated by counting the branches that each take approximately 14 to 15 years to grow.
Wander around the bright, serene 7-acre (30-hectare) park and notice other interesting plant life, including beeches, palms, cacti and lime trees. Have lunch at an outdoor picnic table or enter a cave with a replica mummy. Cross a suspension bridge over the ravine of Caforiño, once carrying a permanent stream, now frequently dry.
Find the Ancient Dragon Tree in Drago Park in the centre of Icod de los Vinos. The park has a collection of tropical plants and shrubs from around the world as well as a dragon tree nursery. There is a small entry fee. The park is open every day.
