Núcleo dos Dragoeiros das Neves

East of Funchal, at Neves, an unusual garden acquired by the Regional Government to protect a group of centuries-old dragon trees. The dragoeiro, endemic to Macaronesia, grows very slowly — about ten years to reach two or three metres before it first flowers — and is recognised by its "crown"; the species is in danger of extinction. The exact origin of these specimens is unknown; they may have come from nearby nurseries. Native vegetation of Madeira's coast around them, and an regional forestry institute information centre.