Common name: Dragon Tree.

Scientific name: Dracaena draco (L.) L.

Family: Dracaenaceae

Distribution and Habitat: Macronesian endemic species. The Dragon Trees are already a few hundred years old, and may be seen in its natural state in the Dragon Trees Nucleus, in São Gonçalo and Ribeira Brava.

Description: This plant's development is very slow, and it takes about 10 years to reach 2 to 3 m. It may reach 15 m in height, it has a greyish brown stem and separated branches that create a multi-divided crown. The leaves are long and the fruit is a berry that becomes orange when it is ripe.

Conservation statute and Threats: According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the dragon tree is a vulnerable species, and although it is not imminently endangered, it faces serious risks of extinction in its natural habitat.

Observations: The reddish sap of the dragon tree, designated "dragon's blood", was once used in dyeing and in homemade medicine for pain relief. Blooming season is from August to October.