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Dracaena angustifolia (Medik.) Roxb.
| Family Name: | Asparagaceae |
| Synonyms: | Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C.Chen, Dracaena loureiroi Gagnep. |
| Common Name: | Dragon Blood Tree, 剑叶龙血树 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 5 m to 15 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | China, Cambodia and Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Inland Cliff) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is large, branched, tree-like shrub, from 5-15 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are lanceolate, stalkless and crowded at the tip of the branches. Each leaf is 30-100 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, leathery and reddish at the base. |
| Stems | The stems are branched, growing up to 1 m in girth. The bark is smooth, greyish white, gradually becoming greyish brown over time. |
| Flowers | The stalked flowers are milky white, about 1.2-1.6 cm wide. The filaments (stalk below the stamen) are reddish brown and flattened. The flowers are in clusters of 2-5, borne on a branched, terminal inflorescence. |
| Fruit | The fruits are 1-3 seeded, almost round berries, 0.8-1.2 cm wide, ripening orange. |
| Habitat | It is grows on limestone slopes, up to 1,700 m. |
| Associated Fauna | The flowers are pollinated by insects. The ripe fruits are eaten by birds. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
| Etymology | Greek dracaena, a dragon, referring to the bright red dried red resin, called dragon’s blood, obtained from various species including those of Dracaena. Species epithet angustifolia means narrow-leaved. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for planting in parks and gardens for its ornamental form and spectacular flowers. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Flowers |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Focal Plant |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting Plant |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Inflorescence Type | Panicle |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Orange |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 662 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1957 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
