Socotra dragontree
| Socotra dragontree |
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| Scientific Classification |
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| Binomial Name |
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Dracaena cinnabari |
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| Image Description |
The Socotra dragontree is a famously distinctive plant off the island of Soctra that is known by the scientific name Dracaena cinnabari. This species of evergreen tree is known for its name due to the dark red resin known as the "dragon tree blood" which the substance was used and valuable in the ancient times. The Dracanea cinnabar is classified as vulrunable.[2]
Life Cycle
The Dracaena cinnabari begins flowering in February though varying to its location. At the ends of the branches grow small whitish and greenish flowers. Then is followed by the fruit in which is a small fleshy berry changing from a greenish color to whitish, then ripening into the orange/red fruit which contains one to three seed. These berries from the Dracaena cinnabarimay be eaten by some animals including birds and other domestic livestock which causes the disappearance of the seeds. With the unique shape of the tree it then said to be that it can survive on mountain tops with a less amount of soil and arid conditions. Its enormous packed crown causes shading providing the water droplets to fall to the ground and also helps with the seeds protection to grow under the sun. Its is said that the dragon blood tree grows much slowly and has a longer life span. [3]
Body Design
thumb|150px|left|Picture of the trunks skeletal structure
The Dracaena cinnabari with its long stiff leaves borne in dense rosette ends grows from the tip of the stem like other palms.Its height grows up to 10 m and having leaves that measure up tp 60 centimeter long and 3 centimeter length. Its branches at maturity grow into a umbrella shaped-like crown. The branches of the tree also are thick and stout which show 'dichotomous branching then repeatedly dividing into two. Also having flowers growing at the ends of these branches of a greenish and whitish color. [4]
Ecology
The Dracaena cinnabari is found endemic to the islands of scooter which located off the coast of Yemen in the Indian Ocean where its located on the Haggehar Mountains and adjacent limestone plateaux in the centre and east of the island. Elevations between 300-1,500 m the Dracaena cinnabari is typically growing in the evergreen or semi-decidious woodland. It can grow in areas of solid rock pavement with extensive cracks where the water and rain can get through providing monster and nourishment for its roots.[5]
Conservation
The Dracaena cinnabari is listed vulnerable. With its still relative widespread, its range has become slow reduced and fragmented which the populations are suffering from the poor regeneration. The dragon blood tree if failing too become nourished and the extent and duration of the clouds and mist cause an 45% reduction of this species by 2080. Its leaves are able to be used for making ropes and such that harvesting of its resin. The dragon tree has been felled due to the making of behaves. The efforts of building new road construction and limiting grazing pressure also fencing the livestock watering the seeds and creating a tree nurseries are way of conservation. [6]
Video
The Dracaena Cinnabari
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