Here be dragons

Previously on Bagging Botanic Gardens: Maspalomas et al., Wisley, Brussels, Down House, Much Else Besides.

The minute I found out there was a botanic garden in the north of Gran Canaria as well, a return visit became inevitable.

The Jardín Botánico Canario “Viera y Clavijo” is in the outskirts of Las Palmas, and is much larger than its Maspaloman sibling. As well as showcasing a Canary Island pine woodland, it also has a impressive path carved into the side of the cliff that overlooks the site. This affords splendid views across the gardens – assuming you can stomach them.

Jardín Canario: view across the gardens from the aptly named “steep stairs” of the cliff-side path

Lavatera acerifolia

Davallia canariensis growing epiphytically on a palm

Dracaena draco – dragon-tree pathway

Botanerd highlights: the cactus and succulent garden is fantastic. It is large, and has many mature specimens of cactuses, Euphorbia, Pachypodium, and even a Madagascan Alluaudia.  Some of the specimens are vast: this Pachycerus weberi is about 8 m high, and many of the Euphorbia are similarly imposing.

Long-suffering husband with Pachycereus weberi cactus for scale