Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Dragon Tree

(Dracaena arborea)

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Description

Dracaena arborea, commonly known as the dragon tree, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asparagaceae. This evergreen tree is native to tropical Africa and can grow up to 20 meters tall. It is popularly cultivated for its attractive foliage and is widely used as a houseplant. In this article, we will discuss the taxonomy, morphology, habitat, cultivation, and propagation of Dracaena arborea. Taxonomy Dracaena arborea was first described by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1786. It belongs to the genus Dracaena, which comprises about 120 species of trees and shrubs that are native to Africa, Madagascar, and Asia. The genus name Dracaena is derived from the Greek word "drakaina," which means female dragon. The species name arborea means tree-like, referring to its tree-like growth habit. Morphology Dracaena arborea is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall in the wild. However, it is usually smaller when grown as a houseplant, reaching up to 2 meters in height. The trunk is stout and woody, with a grayish-brown bark that is smooth and shiny. The leaves are lance-shaped, up to 60 cm long and 5 cm wide, and arranged in rosettes at the end of the branches. They are glossy, dark green in color, and have a pointed tip. The flowers of Dracaena arborea are small and white, borne in clusters on branched panicles up to 60 cm long. The fruit is a spherical berry, up to 1 cm in diameter, that contains 1-3 seeds. The seeds are small, black, and shiny. Habitat Dracaena arborea is native to tropical Africa, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, riverbanks, and open woodlands. It is also found in Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands. The species is not endangered in the wild, but its populations are declining due to habitat loss and over-harvesting for its timber. Cultivation Dracaena arborea is a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage and ease of care. It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight. It can also grow in low light conditions, but the leaves will be smaller and the growth will be slower. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. The plant prefers high humidity levels and can be misted regularly or placed on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Dracaena arborea can be fertilized with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. It can be pruned to control its size and shape, and the cuttings can be propagated to produce new plants. Propagation Dracaena arborea can be propagated from stem cuttings or by layering. Stem cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and should be 10-15 cm long with several leaves. The cuttings should be allowed to dry for a few days before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. They should be watered sparingly until new growth appears. Layering involves bending a low branch to the ground and covering it with soil. After a few months, roots will develop from the buried portion of the stem, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum:
Class: Liliopsida
Order:Asparagales
Family:Asparagaceae
Genus:Dracaena
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