Dracaena aletriformis

Family: Dracaenaceae (Dragon Tree family)

Common names: Dragon Tree, Large-leaved Dragon Tree (E); Drakeboom (A);

Native to: Southern Africa

Shrub, Tree

A magnificent, sculptural shade-loving shrub.

Dracaena aletriformis

EVERGREEN

SHADE

SEMI FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

MEDIUM GROWER

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

2m x 1.5m

FLOWERING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

FRUITING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

DESCRIPTION

An evergreen single-stemmed shrub with large, leathery, dark-green leaves. The bark is tan and marked with leaf scars. It bears tiny white flowers which are carried on tall spikes and are followed by orange berries.

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION

Forests.

WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

The fruit is popular with many fruit-eating birds.
The flowers draw insects with their following of insectivorous birds and lizards.
Dracaena serves as a larval host plant to the Bush Nightfighter butterfly.

WATER REQUIREMENTS

Water moderately.

MAINTENANCE

Low maintenance.
Keep well mulched to mimic forest floor.

LANDSCAPING USES

A wonderful foliage plant for shady areas. It may also be grown in a container indoors. The fruit attract birds such as pigeons, louries and bulbuls. It also attracts butterflies.

GARDEN THEMES

Forest, Formal, Rockery, Tropical, Woodland

FLOWERS

The sweetly-scented white flowers open at night and attract several species of moth for pollination.

FOLIAGE

The leaves are dark green and leathery and long (0.5m – 0.9m). They curl slightly and droop, giving the plant a fine sculptural form.

PLANTBOOK