It branches at maturity to produce an umbrella-shaped crown, with leaves that measure up to 60 cm long and 3 cm wide. Like other monocotyledons, such as palms, the dragon's blood tree grows from the tip of the stem, with the long, stiff leaves borne in dense rosettes at the end (4, 5, 7). The berries exude a deep red resin, known as dragon's blood. The seeds are 4–5 mm in diameter and weigh on average 68 mg. Onychognatus species) and thereby dispersed. As they develop they turn from green to black, and then become orange when ripe. Its fruits are small fleshy berries containing between 1 and 4 seeds. Branching tends to occur when the growth of the terminal bud is stopped, due to either flowering or traumatic events (e.g. Its leaves are found only at the end of its youngest branches its leaves are all shed every 3 or 4 years before new leaves simultaneously mature. Along with other arborescent Dracaena species it has a distinctive growth habit called "dracoid habitus". cinnabari even has growth zones resembling tree rings found in dicot tree species. Unlike most monocot plants, Dracaena displays secondary growth, D. This evergreen species is named after its dark red resin, which is known as "dragon's blood". The dragon blood tree has a unique and strange appearance, with an "upturned, densely packed crown having the shape of an uprightly held umbrella". Unless major steps are taken to mitigate climate change soon, the future of Socotra’s iconic and ancient Dragon tree – along with countless other species around the world – is very much in doubt.įor more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.Dragon trees at the edge of the gorge in Socotra Its once-reliable monsoon weather is becoming irregular.Īs per Global Trees, The tree can expect to lose 45% of its potential habitat by 2080, and while expanding the Skund Nature Sanctuary could protect two potential refuge areas, this level of conservation work will not save the species. Socotra archipelago, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008, is drying out. The most significant problem is climate change. I n some areas, young trees lack the species’ characteristic umbrella shape. Habitat fragmentation and livestock grazing have reduced the tree to just a fraction of its native range. However, an excess can cause illness, resulting in rationing.ĭespite all this, the future of the species is threatened. Even just a few berries improve the health of cows and goats. If you cut into this tree, the red resin will seep out, giving an impression of bleeding.ĭragon blood tree berries are heavily valued, particularly as food for livestock. The most distinctive feature of the tree is that it releases a red sap, or resin, that is known as dragon blood. The branches of the dragon trees grow in an outward-forking pattern that gives them the look of a giant mushroom or an umbrella sucked inside-out by the wind. The tree can grow more than 18 metres (60 feet) tall and 6 metres (20 feet) wide and can live up to 650 years. Referred to by the ancients as ‘cinnabar’, it was well known in trades before 60AD, as per Global Trees. The gum called dragon’s blood has a range of uses - from medicine to lipstick, and even as a varnish for violins. What makes the dragon blood tree stand out is the fact that it contains a red gum that gives the impression that it cries tears of blood. Scientifically known as Dracaena cinnabari, the tree is native to a single island in the Socotra Archipelago, off the coast of Yemen in the Arabian Sea. Dragon Blood Tree is one of the trees on the planet. Even though there's no shortage of beautiful flora and fauna in the world, there are some trees that are distinctly unique.
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