The “sabina”, or the rather less exotic-sounding savin, is not just one more tree; like the dragon tree, it may be considered almost a symbol of the islands’ identity. But while the Canaries have flourished, the same cannot be said of the sabina, a type of evergreen juniper. Its numbers have dwindled steadily, although it is to be hoped that legislation to protect the Canaries’ natural resources will help to prevent its mortal decline.

Where you will find the most amazing specimens is on the tiny island of El Hierro. Its western coast is covered with mature sabinas that have been twisted into bizarre shapes by the buffeting winds. The usual height is between four or five metres, although some of the more majestic trees can tower as tall as eight metres. A native of northern Africa and southern Europe as well, the sabina is limited to the more westerly Canarian isles, where it grows on the lower mountain slopes.

So why did such a well adapted tree start to die out? As is so often the case, human encroachment is to blame. Many sabinas were felled by early settlers just to clear land for farming while others were cut down for their usefulness: for centuries, the wood has been used to make barns, tools, weapons, simple tableware and even coffins, while other parts are useful in the preparation of medicinal remedies, such as antiseptics.

Wild sabinas now only grow in remote areas of the smallest Canary Islands - El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma - and a few in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Fortunately, however, the tree’s once imminent disappearance may have been curtailed by recognition of the alarming decline of the sabina and steps to reverse it.

La Gaceta Hotel