Researchers have discovered Dracaena cambodiana, a dragon tree species, in the Dongka Sarpo area of West Karbi Anglong, Assam, adding to India’s botanical wealth a plant whose sap turns bright red after coming in contact with air. This is the first time that a dragon tree species has been reported from India.
Dracaena cambodiana is an important medicinal and ornamental tree. Several antifungal and antibacterial compounds, antioxidants, flavonoids, etc. have been extracted from various parts of the plant. The bright red resin has also been used since ancient times as varnish, incense and dye.
The population size of the dragon tree species in Assam was estimated to be fewer than 50 mature individuals. 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. Forest officers are working hard to propagate it; Dracaena saplings are currently growing in nurseries in Sonitpur, Guwahati, Dhemaji and Jorhat.
Picture Credit : Google