What makes dragon trees special? A full analysis of their unique characteristics

Other names for the dragon tree

The bleeding tree, the holy herb for invigorating blood, the plant longevity star, the useless tree, bamboo wood, the horse-mule-sugarcane tree

Morphological characteristics of the dragon tree

An evergreen small shrub, up to 4 m tall, with 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, the base enlarged and stem-clasping, narrower near the base, the midrib prominent on the lower part of the underside, rib-like, terminal large panicle up to 60 cm long, 1-3 flowers clustered. Flowers white, fragrant. Berries spherical, yellow.

Many species and varieties in the same genus are used for garden ornament. Dragon tree wood is loose, the trunk is hollow, and the branches are 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, so it is truly useless, which is why it is also called the "useless tree."

Growth habits of the dragon tree

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

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

Main values of the dragon tree

Ornamental: The dragon tree has a graceful and neat plant shape, and its leaf shapes and colors are varied. It is an excellent foliage plant for modern interior decoration. Small and medium potted flowers can accent 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 traditional Chinese medicine. Its Chinese medicine name is "dragon's blood" or "qilinjie," and it has the medicinal function of invigorating 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.