Greek mythology tells us the tale of Ladon, the millenary dragon slain by Atlas and guardian of the Garden of Hesperides, that still lives in his children, the so-called dragon trees.
Legend has it that the blood streaming from the dragon’s deadly wounds reached the Canary Islands (where the Garden of Hesperides was located) and so a tree grew out of each drop. These ‘dragon trees’ have a thick trunk and a cluster of twisted branches on top of it, which resemble Ladon’s one hundred heads.
Whether legends, myths or reality, the truth is Los Realejos has been blessed by nature with a huge variety of dragon trees. Given their longevity and beauty, the San Francisco dragon tree in Realejo Bajo and the Sietefuentes dragon tree in San Agustín deserve particular attention, both of which are examples of high-yield centennial dragon trees. Also, the so-called ‘twins’ located in Realejo Bajo bring visitors a stunning vision like there’s no other; the Rambla del Mar dragon tree rises above the greenery of banana trees offering a beautiful coastal scenery; The wild twin dragon trees in Tigaiga; The Rambla de Castro dragon tree is also a magnificent specimen which emerges from the famous palm grove; and so is the Los Príncipes dragon tree, which looks lost and proud of its imposing height at the same time. Each and everyone of them is well worth the visit.
Its scientific name is Dracaena Draco and belongs to the Agavoideae family. These giants of nature blossom every 15 years, an event that is well worth the sight.
