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Dracaena cochinchinensis

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Dracaena cochinchinensis (Loureiro) S. C. Chen in F. T. Wang & Tang

Family Name: Asparagaceae
Synonyms: Dracaena loureiroi
Common Name: Dragon Blood Tree, 剑叶龙血树

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

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. Latin cochinchinensis, from Vietnam, referring to one locality in the natural distribution of this species.

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
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

Images

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.
Species record last updated on: 15 February 2022.
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