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Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Tricolor'
| Family Name: | Asparagaceae |
| Common Name: | Rainbow Tree |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
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| Maximum Height | 3 m |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Trunk | The stem or trunk is grey, with prominent leaf scars. Indoor specimens that have been moved around may have very contorted stems due to phototropism. |
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| Foliage | Long, subulate (very narrowly lanceolate) leaves, ranging from 15 - 50cm long, tapering to an acuminate point. Midribs are usually cream, flanked by green and then reddish-pink at the margins. On specimens grown outdoors under direct sunlight, leaves tend to be very stiff and erect, creating a spiky appearance to the crown. Indoor specimens tend to have drooping foliage (except for very young leaves) and may have deeper colouration or even lose some of their variegation if the light levels are too low. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | A striking member of the Dracaena genus with dramatic, multi-coloured foliage, growing into an upright, multi-stemmed shrub of about 3m when outdoors. Also a common indoor and container-grown plant.CultivationPrefers bright sunny positions, and soil to be well-drained and evenly moist, but not damp. Outdoor plants need some protection from wind especially before establishment. Indoor plants should be watered less if in partial shade. Somewhat drought tolerant. A houseplant fertilizer may be applied monthly. Somewhat susceptible to mealy bugs, which can be prevented by regular misting. |
| Etymology | The genus epithet 'Dracaena' means 'female dragon' in ancient Greek, and is derived from the word 'drakaina', in probably reference to the milky juice of 'Dracaena draco', another species within the genus, which dries to a resinous powder used as a colorant, 'dragon's blood'. In mythical explanation, Ladon, the hundred-headed dragon and guardian of the Garden of the Hesperides, was killed by Hercules (or Atlas, depending on the version told) in attempt to collect three golden apples to complete the eleventh of his twelve labours, and that dragon trees sprung from where Ladon's red blood flowed. This fabled garden is allegedly an island beyond the Atlas Mountains, which seemingly points to the Canary Islands and 'Dracaena draco' as being the basis for this myth. The species epithet marginata describes the leaves having a distinct margin. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
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Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
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| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Red, Green, White |
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| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 666 |
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| Species ID | 1961 |
| 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. |
