Home > Herbs > Dracaena

Dragon Trees

Dracaena · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (14 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Dragon Trees, scientifically known as Dracaena, is a versatile genus of evergreen plants celebrated for their striking, architectural forms. Renowned for their resilience and ornamental beauty, these plants offer diverse benefits, from air purification to traditional medicinal uses, making them a captivating addition to both gardens and wellness practices.

Family
Asparagaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Stem
Common names
Dragon Trees · Caiman Lizards · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Acyntha · Sansevieria · 6 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Dracaena

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Árboles dragón y parientes

German:

  • Drachenbäume

French:

  • Dracéna
  • Dracènes

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Asparagaceae and falls under the genus Dracaena.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asparagales
Family Asparagaceae
Genus Dracaena

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing within the Baleares and Sardegna. Its range also extends into Northern Africa, specifically inhabiting Morocco and Tunisia. Additionally, the species is present in the Macaronesia region, specifically in the Azores. These varied locations highlight its ability to thrive in diverse Mediterranean and Atlantic environments.

Region Area
Southwestern Europe Baleares
Southwestern Europe Sardegna
Northern Africa Morocco
Northern Africa Tunisia
Macaronesia Azores
Macaronesia Canary Is.
Macaronesia Cape Verde
Macaronesia Madeira
West Tropical Africa Benin
West Tropical Africa Burkina

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Dracaena has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Plant parts reported in Dracaena
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Stem 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Stem

  1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Dracaena has 5 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic.

Activities reported in Dracaena
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Analgesic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Analgesic

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antimicrobial

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antiproliferative

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cytotoxic

  1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Dracaena has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include plant resin, red resin.

Preparations reported for Dracaena
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Plant resin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Red resin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Plant resin

  1. Cytogenetic and genome research

Red resin

  1. Scientific reports