Dracaena aletriformis

Dracaena aletriformis

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Common Names

Large-leaved Dragon Tree (english)Grootblaardrakeboom (afrikaans)tshila-mbila (venda)igonsi-lehlathi (zulu)

Taxonomy

Family DRACAENACEAE
Genus Dracaena
Species aletriformis
SA Plant Number 309
Basionym Dracaena aletriformis

Description

Dracaena aletriformis is a fairly hardy, evergreen, shade loving, Yucca-like accent plant.

It has large, elongated, leathery strap-like leaves with wavy margins that are carried in a rosette at the tips of the branches.

It forms dense stands in the undergrowth where it normally grows.

Spikes of creamy-white, sweet smelling flowers in long, robust sprays are carried above the leaves.These are borne from November to February and open at night.

The large, sticky, orange-yellow fruits attract birds. It has smooth white bark.

It grows in deep shade and makes a good indoor and container plant.

Size 1 to 4m

Seeds

Lifestyle Seeds may have stock of Dracaena aletriformis seeds.

Wildlife

Birds: The fleshy fruit are irrestible to fruit-eating birds. Robin-chats (especially the red-capped robin-chat, or formerly Natal Robin) favour this plant as a nesting spot.

Uses

Landscaping: Good container subject and indoor plant.Excellent textural plant for shade and semi-shade areas and forest gardens.

Distribution

Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape

Natural Habitat: In wide range of shady places from dune forest undergrowth to mountain forests.  

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