Dragon blood tree Facts
Dragon blood tree Facts
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| Interesting Dragon blood tree Facts: |
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| Dragon blood tree looks like giant mushroom thanks to its single trunk and umbrella-shaped crown. This plant usually grows to the height of 32 feet. |
| Extremely dense crown is made of numerous branches characterized by dichotomous branching (each branch divides twice). Parasol-like crown keeps the root in shade, prevents fast drying of soil and protects seedling from the harsh UV rays. Many species of plants and animals live in the shade of dragon blood tree. |
| Dragon blood tree is monocot plant. Even though it doesn't have phloem and xylem like other woody plants, it has secondary thickening of the stem and root. |
| Dragon blood tree produces long, thin, stiff leaves at the tips of the young branches. They last 3 to 4 years and one of their main purposes is to absorb moisture from the air and transport it to the root. |
| Dragon blood tree produces small, fragrant, white or green-colored flowers at the end of the branches. |
| Dragon blood tree blooms during February. |
| Fruit of dragon blood tree is small berry filled with 1 to 3 seed. Ripe fruit is orange-colored and it can be seen on the tree 5 months after pollination. |
| Birds eat fruit of dragon blood tree and facilitate spreading of seed in the wild. |
| Leaves of dragon blood tree are used as a source of food for goats during the periods of drought. |
| Injured bark and branches release red resin which is why this plant is known as dragon blood tree. |
| Resin of dragon blood tree is used in treatment of diarrhea, superficial wounds, bleeding, ulcers, dysentery and fever. |
| Starting from the 18th century, resin of dragon blood tree is used as varnish for the violins. It is also frequently used as a toothpaste, lipstick, glue for the pottery and as a source of red pigment for dyeing of wool. |
| Resin of dragon blood tree is often used as incense. Thanks to its unusual color, it is inevitable part of various magic rituals. |
| Wood of dragon blood tree is used for the manufacture of beehives, while leaves are used for the manufacture of ropes. |
| Dragon blood tree is perennial plant that can survive for hundreds of year under optimal conditions. |
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