Dracaena draco (Dracaena draco)

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Other names: dragon tree, dracena, Draco arbor, Asparagus draco, Palma draco, Yucca draco, giant dracaena, common dracaena

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

The dragon tree (Dracaena draco), also known as the dragon tree, dracena, Draco arbor, Asparagus draco, Palma draco, Yucca draco, giant dracaena or common dracaena, is an unusual tree species native to the Canary Islands, Morocco and western Africa. It is typical for its upright stem, which expands upwards into the air with age and forks into a crown shape. The tree can reach a height of up to 12 metres and can live for thousands of years in favourable conditions. Younger specimens are smaller and have a simple stem, but over time it branches out to form an open umbrella-like crown. The leaves are broad, sword-shaped and green in colour.

One of the most interesting features of this tree is its ability to produce a blood-red resin that is sometimes called dragon's blood. This resin has been highly valued in the past for its healing properties and has been used, for example, to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, fevers, or to heal wounds. Today, dragon's blood is mainly used in industry as a dye, as an ingredient in certain types of paint and in perfumery for its distinctive scent. Dragon's blood wood is often used in furniture making for its hardness and durability. It is also widely used as an ornamental plant indoors, where it can be grown as a bonsai.