Fauna
Plant

Dragon-tree

Dracaena draco

Also known as Canary Islands Dragon Tree, Drago, Dragon's Blood Tree

Canary Islands dragon trees feature a stout trunk topped by a dense umbrella-shaped crown of stiff, sword-like leaves. Unlike typical trees that grow annual growth rings, this monocot branches only after flowering or fruiting, which occurs roughly once every ten to fifteen years. When its bark or leaves are wounded, the plant secretes a dark red resin known historically as dragon's blood, prized for centuries in varnishes, folk remedies, and dyes.

ArborescentDrought-TolerantLong-Lived
Dragon-tree reference1 / 7
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Feral goats
  • Rabbits
ThreatsHabitat destruction, overgrazing by introduced herbivores, and slow regeneration
HabitatsSubtropical cliffs, rocky ravines, coastal slopes, and arid scrub
Life spanSeveral centuries (potentially over 600 years)
Classification
  1. OrderAsparagales
  2. FamilyAsparagaceae
  3. GenusDracaena
  4. SpeciesDracaena draco
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains saponins toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; wild berries have toxic look-alikes, so never consume.
Why it is dangerous
Leaves and berries contain steroidal saponins that cause vomiting, hypersalivation, and lethargy in dogs and cats.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a thick, gray trunk splitting into dense rosettes of stiff, blue-green, lance-shaped leaves.
What to do
Prevent household pets from chewing on fallen leaves or fruit, and wash hands after handling damaged tissue.
What to notice
Recognizable on rugged Macaronesian ravines by its dense, mushrooming crown and fibrous, ring-scared trunk.
Support conservation
Stay on marked trails in native habitats to prevent soil erosion and protect slow-growing saplings from trampling.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing Etiquette: Avoid carving or tapping the trunk, as damage invites bacterial decay into the fibrous stem.
  • Pet Safety: Keep companion animals away from fallen foliage and berries, which contain irritating saponins.
  • Cultivation: Grow in sharply draining mineral soil with full sun exposure to mimic its native volcanic slopes.
Related species
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