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Dracaena
Dracaena species, hybrids and cultivars (excluding former Sansevieria species)
Family: Asparagaceae (formerly in Agavaceae or Dracaenaceae)There are many species and cultivars of this genus with assorted foliage forms and variegations. They are very useful as indoor and outdoor potplants and can be used as garden plants in much of Queensland. While some of the more familiar species have a lush "rainforest" look, they're relatively drought tolerant.
The genus Sansevieria is now classified as part Dracaena, but are smaller-growing succulents that will be incorporated into garden designs in different ways, so we'll look at those on separate page: sansevieria
Dracaena in the landscape
The following images are examples of various common types of Dracaena growing in various landscape situations, to give you an idea of how you might place them in your garden.
Dracaena marginata
Dracaena fragrans
Dracaena reflexa
Dracaena draco
Other Species
Possible misspellings: Dracina, Dracena
Older News
New species of Dracaena from Thailand has horticultural potential
A new species of dragon tree has been discovered in Thailand. Occurring naturally on limestone hills and mountains, Dracaena kaweesakii reaches about 12 m in height and is extensively branched with attractive foliage. Its beauty and the association of Dracaena species with good luck has meant that it has been transplanted into local Thai gardens. Potential over-harvesting for horticulture and habitat destruction mean the species is could be vulnerable in the future without suitable conservation measures. Source: A stunning new species of dragon tree discovered in Thailand (October 2013)
Old dragon blood in danger
Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens are trying to save a century-old Dracaena draco that has recently fallen. It's possible that after years of drought, recent rains stimulated top growth that was too heavy for the roots to support. In its natural habitat of the Canary Islands (off the north-west coast of Africa), this species can live over 660 years. More from Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, available here. (May 2008)
