I AM THE DRAGON TREE
Prologue:
Countless millions of years ago, the Sun decided to set a child upon the Earth. She spoke to the other stars in the sky:
“Among my planets there is one that is special: the Earth. I hold her firmly in my orbit, always within sight. Into her crust I will plant my seed. A tree shall grow there – tall and strong. In every one of its branches a reflection of my face will be seen.”
And so it was that the Sun brought the Dragon Tree to the Earth.
I am the Dragon Tree, daughter of the Sun. For hundreds of years I have grown here on the shoulder of my volcano.
The energy of my mother, the Sun, flows ceaselessly through me and unfurls in my slender leaves. Seen from above, they appear like shining stars – bright, radiant, powerful. Their tips point toward the heavens and in every direction of the compass, as if they wished to send out an urgent message, far beyond the horizon.
Long ago, this place was in turmoil. The Earth violently thrust forth this island – with mountain and tree – into the wide ocean. Now my roots are warmed by the deep layers of earth, glowing with molten magma. I listen into the rock at my base and feel a muffled heartbeat: a longing that pushes upward without end. From time to time my mountain grumbles and rumbles – but that does not trouble me. A daughter of the Sun is not easily disturbed! My creative element is fire – rich, warm, and life-giving. Its force gives me the drive to bloom once again every fifteen years, and to set my seed into the soil.
… and in the dark, ash-covered crust, my children are already sprouting. They raise their little dragon heads and gaze expectantly up to the Sun.
Home:
Icod de los Vinos, Canary Island of Tenerife, Spain
Tree species:
Dracaena draco
Tree family:
Asparagaceae (Asparagus family)
Common Names:
Canary Islands Dragon Tree
Motivation:
This tree, known as the “Drago Milenario,” lives on the island of Tenerife. It is a legend – a national monument. Its age is estimated to be between 300 and 800 years. Its reputation extends far beyond the village of Icod de los Vinos. If only it could tell us all its true story …