Plant · GBIF taxon 10774703
Dracaena zeylanica
Dracaena zeylanicaAlso known as Ceylon Bowstring Hemp, Bowstring Hemp, Zeylanica Snake Plant
Ceylon bowstring hemp grows in dense, upright rosettes of rigid, sword-shaped leaves that thrive in dry environments. The foliage displays dark green surface tones marked with prominent light green wavy cross-bands and pointed tips. Small, fragrant greenish-white flowers occasionally bloom on long nocturnal racemes, giving way to tiny globe-shaped berries.
EvergreenSucculentDrought-Tolerant
Licensed referenceFrancisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A.) / Public domain · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
Not available
ThreatsHabitat loss, land conversion
HabitatsDry tropical forests, rocky scrubland, coastal thickets
Life span20–50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAsparagaceae
- SpeciesDracaena zeylanica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; place out of reach of household pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Saponins within the leaf tissues cause gastrointestinal upset, salivation, and nausea if chewed or swallowed by pets.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Stiff, erect sword-like leaves with light green horizontal banding and pointed leaf tips.
- What to do
- Keep plants out of reach of dogs and cats, and wash hands after trimming damaged leaves.
Responsible observation
- Watering: Allow the potting medium to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Lighting: Provide bright indirect light for fastest growth, though foliage tolerates deep interior shade.
- Placement: Keep pots elevated or secure away from nibbling domestic pets.
Close Relative Mokkie / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Mokkie / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Genus Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Ina Siebert · cc0
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