Tenerife Harnesses Dragon Tree Material for Scientific Research
The remains of a dragon tree located in the Plaza de la Catedral in La Laguna will be studied as part of the Tenerife Natural Products Library (LiPNaT). This initiative, backed by the Tenerife Cabildo and the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC), aims to enhance knowledge of this endemic species.
Following the tree’s fall, scientists will analyse its vegetal material, which is vital to understanding the unique biodiversity of the Canary Islands. Juan José Martínez, the Cabildo’s Councillor for Innovation, Research, and Development, stated, “What may seem like a loss can also be an opportunity to generate knowledge and further study our biodiversity.”
Martínez emphasised that LiPNaT allows for a better understanding of Tenerife’s natural resources and aims to preserve this knowledge for the scientific community and future production sectors. Fran Hernández, La Laguna’s Municipal Services Councillor, noted that studying the fallen tree could aid in the conservation of a species closely linked to the identity of the Canary Islands. He also mentioned that the council has preserved 50 dragon tree offshoots to ensure the species continues.
LiPNaT was established in 2024 through a grant from the Tenerife Cabildo to IPNA-CSIC, creating a structured library of natural products and chemicals derived from Tenerife’s biodiversity. This project aims to facilitate both excellence in research and the transfer of knowledge to businesses, ultimately leading to the development of high-value products.
Specifically, LiPNaT seeks to identify bioactive molecules and potential therapeutic and industrial products, leveraging the island’s rich array of native species. The research on the dragon tree illustrates how this project can turn local biodiversity into scientific knowledge and new innovation opportunities.
“Tenerife’s biodiversity is an extraordinary asset,” Martínez concluded. “With LiPNaT, we aim for this heritage to become a source of knowledge, research, and innovation, all while respecting our natural environment.” This effort will provide access to protected tree material, furthering LiPNaT’s mission to study and appreciate Tenerife’s natural resources.
