- According to the Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, researchers from India has discovered Dracaena cambodiana, a dragon tree species in the Dongka Sarpo area of West Karbi Anglong. .
- This is for the first time that a dragon tree species has been reported from India.
- The plant yields dragon’s blood — a bright red resin used since ancient times as medicine, body oil, varnish, incense and dye.
- The researchers said that, in India, the Dracaena genus belonging to the family Asparagaceae is represented by nine species and two varieties in the Himalayan region, the northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But Dracaena cambodiana is the only true dragon tree species.
About Dracaena cambodiana
- Dracaena cambodiana is an important medicinal plant as well as an ornamental tree. it is a major source of dragon’s blood, a precious traditional medicine in China.
- Several antifungal and antibacterial compounds, antioxidants, flavonoids, etc., have been extracted from various parts of the plant.
- The population size of the dragon tree species in Assam was estimated to be fewer than 50 mature individuals.
- The Dracaena seeds are usually dispersed by birds. But due to the large fruit size, only a few species of birds are able to swallow the fruits, thus limiting the scope of its natural conservation.
