What other names is the dragon blood tree known by?
Alternative names of the dragon blood tree
Bleeding tree, holy medicine for blood circulation, longevity plant, worthless tree, bamboo wood, horse-mule sugarcane tree
Morphological characteristics of the dragon blood tree
Evergreen small shrub, up to 4 m tall, gray bark. Leaves sessile, densely clustered at the top of the stem, thickly papery, broadly linear or oblanceolate, 10-35 cm long, 1-5.5 cm wide, base enlarged and stem-clasping, narrower near the base, midrib prominent on the lower part of the underside, rib-like, terminal large panicle up to 60 cm long, flowers in clusters of 1-3. Flowers white, fragrant. Berry spherical, yellow.
Many species and varieties of the same genus are used for garden ornamental purposes. The dragon blood tree has loose wood, a hollow trunk, and branches full of holes, so it cannot be used as a pillar; when burned it only smokes without catching fire, and it cannot be used as firewood either. It is truly useless, so it is also called the "worthless tree."
Growth habits of the dragon blood tree
The dragon blood tree likes high temperatures and high humidity, and likes light; with sufficient light, the leaves are brightly colored. It is not cold-tolerant; the winter temperature is about 15°C, and the minimum temperature is 5-10°C.
If the temperature is too low, due to insufficient water absorption by the root system, yellow-brown patches will appear on the leaf tips and leaf margins. The dragon blood tree likes loose, well-drained soil rich in humus and nutrients.
Main values of the dragon blood tree
Ornamental: The dragon blood tree has a graceful and neat plant shape, and its leaf shapes and colors are diverse. It is an excellent foliage plant for modern interior decoration. Small and medium potted flowers can decorate a study, living room, and bedroom, while medium and large plants can beautify and furnish halls.
Medicinal: After the dragon blood tree is injured, it exudes a blood-colored liquid. This liquid is a resin, dark red, and is a precious traditional Chinese medicine. Its Chinese medicine name is "dragon's blood" or "qilin blood." It has the medicinal function of promoting blood circulation and can treat muscle and bone pain.
Economic: The deep red sap of the dragon blood tree can be used as a dye, or to paint violins.