Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve to catalogue most important trees on the island

Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve has carried out a preliminary study aimed at cataloguing the most important and significant trees on the island.

Although Lanzarote has no woods or forests, it is dotted with trees that, due to their scarcity, are often highly valued by locals and residents. The affection for these trees can be seen in the outrage that greeted the destruction of the leaning palm tree at Masdache, which was sawn down three years ago, presumably as a reaction to its sudden popularity on social media.

Trees on Lanzarote are valued for their shade, creating cool spaces in local towns and villages. They have always been valued for the fruit they produce, and their symbolism, such as the “thousand palms” of Haría, each of which represents the birth of a male child. 

The fig tree that can be seen on the walking route at Tremesana; the drago at Bodega La Florida; the ombú tree outside the church in Yaiza and the impressive Indian fig trees in Haría’s main square are just some of the locally renowned trees that will appear on the list.

Do you have a favourite tree on Lanzarote? Let us know in the comments below.