Planted about 130 years ago with the same seed as the specimens of Dracaena draco located in the La Raya and Buen Retiro tourist establishments, the dragon tree at the Nazaret or Santo Domingo school turns green almost half a year after it was evicted. With its 10.1 meters high, 11.5 meters wide cup, 2.75 perimeter and 15 tons of weight, it collapsed at noon on July 20, 2021 in the center courtyard where it spent its existence until then. After five weeks, on August 27, he was transferred to the other side of the street, where he is recovering.
“Like any living being, you have to give it the opportunity to save itself and take care of it. At least try it, although we have to wait to know its evolution for a few more months ». Mario Díaz, violinist and hotelier, is the architect of “this emblematic tree for Güímar” standing on a farm that serves as a parking lot for the Hotel Rural Buen Retiro, House of Music and Sound. A mansion dating from 1791 (the year of Mozart’s death) of which he has been the co-owner (with his sister Elsa) since 1991 and located in the güimarera area of Chacaica.
“It is not appropriate to point fingers at anyone. We did what we did, the dragon tree is there with three green shoots”
The dragon tree collapsed due to different causes, among others, “the presence of fungi on its size.” Its fall caused “the breakage of more than half of the branches”, which made it “impossible” for it to be transplanted. “Transplanting a dragon tree with its root ball in good physiological condition is not the same as replanting a fallen dragon tree with serious pathologies and in an unfortunate state of conservation,” says the report issued by technicians from the island’s Ministry of Natural Environment Management and Security. “I think it is not appropriate to point fingers at anyone. We did what we did, the dragon tree has been there since August and with three green shoots».
The importance of music
From the first moment, Mario Díaz offers musical therapy to the tree to contribute to its healing. Hoping that the specimen survives, he called for the participation of more musicians «so as not to be playing alone». And there those musicians go to perform various pieces and sing, others do it to read poetry. All this, under and around this ancient specimen of drago, which continues to contribute to the municipality.
Benefit concert
The volcano of La Palma postponed the development of an idea that Mario Díaz raises again: «Coinciding with the date on which we planted the dragon tree here, I would like to hold an annual benefit concert with different recipients, starting with the victims of La Palma» . An embryonic initiative that requires the involvement of “more musicians” and the administration as manager and guarantor of the collection and distribution of the funds obtained.
At the foot of the tree there is a large stone taken from the open hole to plant it (it was moved from the school to the place it occupies today using a large crane). «In it, I will place a plaque with the story of what happened and, on a second plaque, the lyrics of Anthem of the people made a song (it can be heard on the rural hotel’s Facebook account), a very emotional and sentimental work by the journalist Vicente Pérez (from the digital Planeta Canario), who also created a Christmas carol».
House the Hall of Music
All this takes place in a privileged setting in Güímar: the Buen Retiro Rural Hotel, House of Music and Sound. This historic property, originally owned by the Marquise of La Florida, Francisca Delgado, and one of the first three hotels on the island, is becoming a cultural benchmark in Güímar. The dragon tree arrived to strengthen knowledge and activity in the place. Mario Díaz, supported by his sister Elsa, wants to take more steps along these lines. In a model the House already has the Hall of Music or the Twelve Columns. A project to build on the ground located a few meters from the tree in recovery.
At Calle Chacaica 9, in Güímar, anyone who wants to offer musical therapy (instrumental and/or sung), a literary reading, or a visit to a dragon tree that is trying to survive after 130 years of existence has free access.
