Dracaena draco

Dracaena draco, commonly known as the Dragon Tree, is a striking, slow-growing evergreen tree native to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, and Morocco. It’s famous for its umbrella-like canopy, thick trunk, and red resin (called “dragon’s blood”). Here’s a detailed guide:

Key Features:

• Appearance:

  • Thick, gray trunk with a palm-like crown of stiff, sword-shaped blue-green leaves.

  • Mature trees develop a unique, branching form resembling an umbrella.

  • Produces small, fragrant white/greenish flowers (rare indoors) followed by orange berries.

• Size:

  • Outdoors: Up to 30–50 ft (9–15 m) tall in ideal climates.

  • Indoors: Typically stays 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m) with pruning.

• Longevity: Can live for hundreds of years—some specimens are over 1,000 years old!

• Dragon’s Blood: When cut or wounded, the tree oozes a red resin used historically in dyes, varnishes, and traditional medicine.