Every year on the 22nd of May, the world celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity – a day recognized by the United Nations to remind us of the importance of protecting life on Earth in all its forms. From forests and oceans to insects, birds, and ancient trees, every species plays an important role in keeping our planet healthy and balanced.

One extraordinary example of this natural richness can be found on the island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands of Spain. In the town of Icod de los Vinos stands one of the most famous and mysterious trees in the world – the ancient Dragon Tree, known locally as the Drago Milenario.

The Drago Tree of Icod de los Vinos

With its thick trunk, twisting branches, and giant umbrella-shaped crown, the Dragon Tree almost looks like something from a fantasy story. But beyond its magical appearance, this remarkable tree tells a deeper story about biodiversity, resilience, history, and the close relationship between people and nature.

The Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) is native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and parts of North Africa. Although it is called a tree, it is actually a unique type of plant that grows very differently from most trees. It can live for hundreds of years, and some experts believe the famous Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos may be between 800 and 1,000 years old.

One of the most fascinating features of the Dragon Tree is its red sap, often called “dragon’s blood.” For centuries, this dark red resin was used in medicine, dyes, varnishes, and traditional remedies, and many ancient cultures believed the tree had healing and protective powers. The resin also has a strong connection to the ancient Guanches, the Indigenous people of the Canary Islands.

Historians believe the Guanches used “dragon’s blood,” together with herbs and natural oils, during the mummification process of their dead to help preserve bodies in the dry island climate. This traditional practice reflects how closely the Guanches understood and depended on the natural world around them. Because of this, the Dragon Tree became not only a symbol of nature, but also an important part of the cultural, spiritual, and historical identity of Tenerife.

Today, visitors from around the world come to admire the tree’s unusual shape and long history. But the Dragon Tree is much more than a tourist attraction. It represents the importance of protecting native species and fragile ecosystems.

Islands like Tenerife are home to many endemic species – plants and animals that exist nowhere else on Earth. Because island ecosystems are often isolated, they are especially fragile and vulnerable to climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, and wildfires. When a unique species disappears from an island, it may disappear forever from the entire world…

Some of the diversity experienced on the Northern Coast of the island

Back to the Dragon Tree – it is also remarkable for its slow, patient growth. Young Dragon Trees usually grow with a single trunk for many years before producing their first flowers. Scientists estimate that the tree may take around 10 years to grow just 1.2 meters in height. After its first flowering (usually when the tree is between 10 and 15 years old), it begins to branch for the first time. Each new branch may then take another 10 to 15 years before flowering and branching again, gradually creating the tree’s famous umbrella-shaped crown. Because the Dragon Tree does not produce normal growth rings like many trees, experts estimate its age by counting its branching levels. This slow growth makes ancient specimens like the Drago Milenario even more extraordinary.

Over the centuries, the Dragon Tree of Icod de los Vinos has survived many dangers. As the town expanded around it, nearby buildings, pollution, soil damage, storms, and increasing tourism placed stress on the ancient tree. There were also several historical attempts to cut down or damage Dragon Trees in the region. However, local communities recognized the tree’s importance and worked hard to protect it. Their dedication helped save this living symbol of Tenerife.

In 1917, the Drago Milenario was officially declared a National Monument by the Spanish government. Today, it is protected inside the Parque del Drago, where conservation experts continue to care for it by improving soil conditions, stabilizing the tree, protecting its environment, and carefully monitoring its health.

The Dragon Tree, as it is now, in May 2026

The story of the Dragon Tree reminds us why biodiversity conservation matters so deeply, while also teaching us valuable lessons about patience and resilience. It grows slowly, survives in dry rocky landscapes, and continues standing strong after centuries of environmental change. Ancient trees like this connect us to the past while inspiring us to protect the future.

As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Dragon Tree of Tenerife reminds us that protecting nature is not only about saving plants and animals. It is also about protecting culture, history, traditional knowledge, and the living systems that support all life on Earth.

Every tree tells a story worth protecting.

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References:
https://www.bahia-principe.com/en/blog/drago-tree-of-icod-de-los-vinos-in-tenerife/
https://icoddelosvinos.es/patrimonio/drago-milenario/
https://www.britannica.com/plant/dragon-tree
https://www.fao.org/forestry/biodiversity/en/
https://wonderfultenerife.com/assets/images/articles/Image-9577bff876.jpg