The Santa Cruz City Council, in partnership with the Fundación Santa Cruz Sostenible and Fundación Cepsa, announced yesterday that guided tours of distinctive trees will persist, guided by expert environmental educators, offering locals and visitors the opportunity to explore the diversity and richness of species available in various locations throughout the capital. In total, there are 77 noteworthy specimens.
The upcoming tours are set for September 21, October 26, November 23, and December 21. The events, scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., will be held in García Sanabria and La Granja parks, as well as in the town centre.
The Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, remarked that “these tours showcase the significant natural heritage within our city, which not only enhances the landscape but also aids in purifying the air in our streets, acts as a sanctuary for birds, enriches the soil, and prevents soil erosion.”
Carlos Tarife, the Councillor for Environmental Sustainability, added, “We aim for citizens to recognise the vast array of species we possess, which is why we continue this initiative to highlight the urban botanical heritage of the capital, which, due to its climate, accommodates specimens from across the globe.”
Belén Machado, head of Fundación Cepsa in the Canary Islands, stated, “We persist in this endeavour by demonstrating to the public, through informative sessions led by knowledgeable guides, the botanical treasures that Santa Cruz holds. After participating in one of these tours, one perceives the city from a new perspective, appreciating and understanding the variety of trees that we have, which all too often go unnoticed.”
Santa Cruz’s green spaces feature specimens that include the ombú from South America, gum arabic, and the Australian red eucalyptus, particularly in La Granja park.
Diego Broock, director of the Santa Cruz Sustainable Foundation, expressed, “It is crucial for individuals to be aware that Santa Cruz is home to 77 unique trees spanning nearly 60 different species, acknowledged by specialists for their age, origin, diameter, or size,” emphasising that “they are a true treasure that must be safeguarded.”
Between García Sanabria Park and the Rambla de Santa Cruz, you can find species such as the jacaranda, rain tree, and Canary Island date palm. In the city centre, notably between Plaza del Príncipe and Plaza San Francisco, there are specimens like the palo borracho on Calle Castillo, the Gabon tulip tree on Calle Robayna, the African baobab on Calle El Pilar, and the Asian Buddhist pine by Suárez Guerra. The tour also features the Indian laurel in Plaza del Príncipe, the dragon tree in Plaza del Chicharro, and the Bahía Moretón fig tree in Plaza San Francisco.
Nearby the Guimerá Theatre and the church of La Concepción, notable species include the Kafres plum tree in Plaza de Santo Domingo, as well as the Australian pine, dragon tree, crested plant, and Indian laurel surrounding the church.
Those keen to join these guided tours can register via the following web link: https://forms.gle/yvjpv9cDStKX7zu67. Alternatively, they can send an email to sgarmed@santacruzdetenerife.es or contact 659084683 or 658315769.
