Dracaena (plant)

The plant genus Dracaena includes roughly 200 to 220 species of trees and woody shrubs. It now absorbs the previously separate genera Pleomele and Sansevieria. Under the APG IV system, Dracaena sits within the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Convallarioideae (once considered part of Ruscaceae).

In the past, it has also been placed—sometimes alongside Cordyline—into its own family, Dracaenaceae, or grouped with the Agavaceae (now Agavoideae). The name comes from the Latinised version of the Ancient Greek drakaina, meaning "female dragon." As of September 2025, the Plants of the World Online database recognises 214 species. Most are native to Africa (including the Canary Islands and Socotra), southern Asia, and northern Australia, with seven species found in Hawaiʻi and two in tropical Central America.

Description

Dracaena species grow in two main forms. Arborescent types—like D. cinnabari, D. draco, and D. fragrans—produce stout, above-ground stems up to about 20 metres tall that branch from nodes after flowering or if the growing tip is cut. Rhizomatous types—such as D. trifasciata and D. angolensis—have underground rhizomes and leaves that emerge at the surface, ranging from strap-like to cylindrical.

The arborescent species possess a secondary thickening meristem in their trunks, sometimes called Dracaenoid thickening, which differs from the thickening meristem in dicotyledonous plants. This trait is shared with some members of the Agavoideae, Lomandroideae, and Xanthorrhoeoideae within the Asparagales. Many Dracaena species are kept as houseplants because they tolerate low light and infrequent watering.

Ornamental

Several shrubby species—including D. fragrans, D. surculosa, D. marginata, and D. sanderiana—are popular indoor plants. According to the ASPCA and others, many are toxic to pets but not to humans. Rooted stem cuttings of D. sanderiana are sold as "lucky bamboo," though they only superficially resemble true bamboos.

As houseplants, Dracaena prefer humidity and moderate watering; they can handle periods of drought, but leaf tips may turn brown. Lower leaves naturally yellow and drop, leaving growth at the top and a bare stem. They are vulnerable to mealybugs and scale insects.

Other

A naturally occurring bright red resin called dragon's blood is collected from D. draco and, in ancient times, from D. cinnabari. Modern dragon's blood, however, more often comes from the unrelated Calamus rattan palms (formerly placed in Daemonorops). In many African societies, the resin also serves social functions, such as marking graves, sacred sites, and farm plots.