Icod de los Vino
Icod de los Vino |
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Icod de los Vino, TenerifeIcod de los Vino's El Drago - Dragon tree The town of Icod de los Vino was founded in 1501. As can be guessed from it's name it is located in an area of vineyards and famous wines. El Drago, the Dragon TreeIf you cut into the wood of a Dragon tree it ouse's a blood red rubbery sap, that looks like blood, Dragons blood thus giving the tree it's name. The tree used to be very common around the Mediterranean but ancient climate changes, ice ages etc. have brought about it's decline in many areas. The fairly constant temperature on Tenerife favours the tree. The sap was tapped for healing purposes, mummification and a dye for toothpaste, hair dye and woodwork such as violins. Dating the tree is usually done by counting the branches, it takes around 11 years to produce a new branch. The heart wood of the tree rots away making it impossible to count the rings. In the 18th century a German scientist stated that the tree was the oldest living thing on earth. Thought to be a 1000 years old, estimates vary between 500 - 3000 years old. Unfortunately my photographs do not convey the size of the tree that stands at 17 metres high and a 6 metre trunk circumference. The garden of the shop/restaurant near the Dragon tree is worth a visit with aditional interesting trees, fauna and views. Go down the stairs just inside the entrance. Iglesia de San MarcosThe tree can be viewed for free from the square near to the 16th century parish church, Iglesia de San Marcos. The church has an interesting Baroque interior, look for the wood ceiling, the silver filigree 2 metre high cross, the 18th century alta and valuable works of arts. |
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