Dragon Tree - Dracaena draco

Dracaena draco, commonly known as the dragon tree, is a subtropical tree native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Cape Verde. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae and can grow up to 20-30 meters tall.

The dragon tree has a distinctive appearance, with a thick, gray trunk that branches out to form a large, umbrella-shaped crown. The leaves are long and sword-shaped, and can grow up to 60 cm long. They are arranged in dense clusters at the end of the branches, and have a blue-green color.

One of the most notable features of the dragon tree is its resin, which is red in color and has been used in traditional medicine and varnish-making for centuries. The tree also produces small, fragrant flowers and orange berries, although these are rarely seen in cultivation.

The dragon tree is a popular ornamental plant, both indoors and outdoors, and is widely cultivated for its unique and striking appearance. It is also an important cultural and symbolic plant in the Canary Islands, where it is considered a national symbol and features prominently in local folklore and legends.

However, the species is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and degradation, and is also threatened by illegal collection of the resin and the trade in its ornamental specimens. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic species and its habitats.