What other aliases does the dragon tree have? Let us introduce you to its other names

Other names for the dragon tree

Tree of bleeding, holy medicine for blood activation, longevity plant, bucai tree, bamboo wood, maluo sugarcane tree

Morphological characteristics of the dragon tree

An evergreen small shrub, up to 4m tall, with gray bark. Leaves sessile, densely clustered at the top of the stem, thickly papery, broadly linear or oblanceolate, 10-35cm long, 1-5.5cm wide, with an enlarged clasping base, narrower near the base, midrib obvious on the lower part of the back, rib-like, terminal large panicle up to 60cm long, 1-3 flowers clustered. Flowers white, fragrant. Berry spherical and yellow.

Many species and varieties of the same genus are used for garden ornament. The dragon tree has loose wood and a hollow trunk, and the branches are full of holes, so it cannot be used as a beam; 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 "bucai tree."

Growth habits of the dragon tree

The dragon tree likes high temperature and high humidity, and likes light. With sufficient light, the leaves are brightly colored. It is not cold-tolerant; in winter the temperature is about 15°C, and the minimum temperature is 5-10°C.

If the temperature is too low, yellow-brown patches will appear on the leaf tips and leaf margins because the root system cannot absorb enough water. The dragon tree likes loose, well-drained soil rich in humus and nutrients.

Main value of the dragon tree

Ornamental: The dragon tree has a graceful and neat plant shape, and its leaf shape and color are varied. 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 tree is injured, it exudes a blood-colored liquid. This liquid is a resin, dark red, and is a precious Chinese medicine. Its Chinese medicine name is "dragon's blood" or "qilin xue." It has the medicinal function of activating blood and can treat muscle and bone pain

Economic: The deep red sap of the dragon tree can be used as a dye, or to paint violins.