DRACAENA DRACO
Scientific Name: Dracaena draco
Common Names: Dragon Tree
Description:
The Dracaena draco, also known as the Dragon Tree, is a fascinating and iconic plant native to the Canary Islands and western Morocco. It’s renowned for its unique appearance, longevity, and historical significance.
Size and Form:
- The Dragon Tree can grow quite large and live for centuries. In their natural habitat, they can reach heights of 30-60 feet (9-18 meters) or more.
- As houseplants, they grow much slower and typically reach a more manageable size of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) over a long period.
Leaves:
- The leaves of the Dragon Tree are long, narrow, and sword-shaped, similar to other Dracaena species.
- They are typically a greyish-green color and have a leathery texture.
Sap: A unique characteristic of the Dragon Tree is its red sap, sometimes referred to as “dragon’s blood.”
Flowers : Dragon Trees rarely flower indoors, but mature specimens may produce small, white flowers in clusters under ideal conditions.
Uses: The Dragon Tree is a prized ornamental plant due to its:
- Unique and sculptural form, especially the mature branching pattern.
- Longevity and historical significance.
