A dragon tree (Dracaena draco), native to Macaronesia, planted in 1987 near the main entrance of Madeira's Regional Parliament, has become an "open-air ashtray." The tree, originally from the Canary Islands, was placed at the site when the building, formerly Funchal's Customs House, was inaugurated.
The article reports that the tree's trunk and surrounding area are frequently targeted for cigarette butt disposal, an environmental offense under the 'Lei das Beatas' (Law No. 88/2019). National legislation applies directly in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, with fines ranging from 25 to 250 euros. Enforcement is carried out by various entities, including ARAEN, PSP, GNR, and municipal services.
Scientifically, plants do not feel pain like humans but react to physical and chemical aggressions. Discarding lit cigarette butts in flowerbeds activates defense mechanisms in plants, such as the release of electrical signals, calcium waves, and stress hormones, harming the vegetation.
