Benijo Dragon Tree

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Leisure · Subcategory: Singular trees

Benijo is a hamlet located to the northwest of the Anaga massif, on a plain almost 100 metres above sea level, near the final stretch of the ravine of the same name. The place was inhabited by the aborigines as evidenced by the various archaeological finds discovered in the area. Its good location, protected from the north winds and its abundance of water flowing down from the summits, made it possible for the first houses, wineries and wine presses to appear as early as 1536. The area was dedicated to the cultivation of sugar cane and vineyards. It had a chapel dedicated to Saint James the Apostle which was erected around 1630 by the owner of the estate, Diego Pereira de Castro. This chapel ended up in ruins by the mid-18th century.

The favourable climatic conditions make the place ideal for the proliferation of native plant species, with a beautiful dragon tree ( Dracaena draco ) standing out clearly, visible from the access track to El Draguillo, on a hillside above a building.

The specimen is located 230 metres above sea level. Its height is just over 7 metres and its perimeter reaches 4. It rises from the ground almost without soil to support it, leaning somewhat in the direction of the slope. Numerous branches can be seen on it, resulting in a majestic appearance. Its age has been estimated at almost 200 years. It may be one of the "Holy Dragon Trees of Taganana", as it has cross-shaped scars carved into the trunk.

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