Madagascar dragon tree

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia (syn. Dracaena marginata)

In Madagascar, living fences are created using dragon trees. To do this, the plants are planted in neat rows, woven together crosswise using wickerwork, and regularly pruned. In the ‘Masoala Rainforest’, there is such a fence next to the traditional Betsimisaraka house.

The trunks and branches of dragon trees often display peculiar swellings. The sword-shaped leaves grow in various clusters. The trees can grow up to 20 metres tall. The dragon tree family, together with the yuccas, belongs to the Agavaceae family.

Distribution

Africa, Madagascar, South and South-East Asia

Number of related species

150 (dragon trees), 40 (yuccas) and 300 (agaves)

Use

resin for varnishes and polishes

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest

Distribution

Africa, Madagascar, South and South-East Asia

Number of related species

150 (dragon trees), 40 (yuccas) and 300 (agaves)

Use

resin for varnishes and polishes

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest

Godparent

Support the plants of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Madagascar dragon tree for CHF 300.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the plants of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Madagascar dragon tree for CHF 300.–

Become a godparent

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