Dracaena cinnabari

Common Names:

• Dragon’s Blood Tree

Phonetic Spelling:

• drah-SEE-nuh sin-NAH-buh-ree

Description:

• Appearance: Dracaena cinnabari is a unique umbrella-shaped tree with a dense, rounded crown. It grows up to 10 meters (33 feet) tall and has thick, knobby branches.
• Leaves: The leaves are long, narrow, and sword-shaped, clustering at the ends of the branches.
• Flowers: The tree produces small, fragrant white or greenish flowers, which bloom in clusters.
• Fruits: The fruit is a small, fleshy berry that turns bright red when ripe.

Distribution/Location:

• Geographic Range: Native to the Socotra archipelago, off the coast of Yemen.
• Habitat: It thrives in arid, rocky environments with minimal rainfall.

Environmental Concerns:

• Conservation Status: Considered vulnerable due to overgrazing, habitat degradation, and climate change.
• Conservation Efforts: Efforts include habitat restoration and seed collection for propagation.

Additional Notes:

• Ecological Importance: The tree provides habitat and food for native wildlife. Its sap, known as “dragon’s blood,” has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and dyes.
• Uses: Dragon’s blood is used in cosmetics, medicine, and dyes. The tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.
• Landscape Use: Sometimes grown in botanical gardens or as a dramatic feature in xeriscape gardens.