In the Royal Botanic Gardens is a Dragon's Blood Tree or Dracaena Draco, which fell over in May 2008. It won't be lifted up to its former upright position because the trunk was damaged near the base and further movement may cause it to snap off. It has been fenced off to protect the branches of damage and reduce soil compaction around the roots. This tree which is over 100 years old is a native to the Canary Islands, where they can live up to 600 years in the wild. Its common name 'Dragon's Blood Tree' comes from the bright red resin it produces, with many uses such as the production of varnish used by violin makers.
This one really had me puzzling at first -- interesting that it will continue to grow in that position. I didn't know about the tree before.
ReplyDeleteCool!
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought as Sallie. Amazing that a tree with that much truck damage would continue to grow such a nice canape.
ReplyDeleteBut, at it's age it is certainly worth the effort to save it.
I had never heard of this tree before either.
Two great minds were working together today. I also shared the Botanical gardens in my area Fortunately, we have had no damage to ours.
ReplyDeleteSo that's why so many violins have a reddish hue, Jim. How interesting!
ReplyDeleteI don't remember, specifically, seeing any of these in the Canary Islands but will go through our photos to see if I can find one.
It's wonderful that this one might keep on growing for another 500 years despite its disability!
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Interesting that they decided to leave it like this.
ReplyDeleteMarvellous capture!
ReplyDeletethakks for the info, too.
Fabulous colors, a magnificent frame.
ReplyDeleteMay time and life treat it kind.
ReplyDeletePlease have a good Thursday.
That was nice photo...can't imagine how the tree grew in that position...thanks for making my head filled with lots of questions now...lol...visiting you back..
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased they've fenced it in - very unique!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo. What an unusual tree with an unusual name and usage. Glad to see it is surviving.
ReplyDeleteFor a moment I thought it had grown in a very windy location.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo! Very unusual.
ReplyDeletehehehe, have you been kicking it? Yesterday, I was driving and listening to an elderly woman who said, her fruit tree fruits only one side of the tree. you photo just make me LOl when the DJ joked if her grandson been kicking that side of the tree.
ReplyDeletelove this tree. i've taken a photo before but yours is much better :-)
ReplyDeleteHope it continues to do well.
ReplyDeleteThe only place in Canada I would see a tree like this would be in a greenhouse or in a bonsai pot. In fact, it looks well groomed like a bonsai.
ReplyDeleteSnap! We went to the gardens too. I hope the tree survives.
ReplyDeleteWow. Interesting that it can survive that way.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful plant!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post! Thanks for sharing;o)
***
Have a nice and happy day****
I love it when people realize the beauty of old nature. Thank you.
ReplyDeletelove the photo and thanks for the story
ReplyDeleteI love this tree, quite unique. How come there are no people anywhere?
ReplyDeletePaul, there are actually a few people in the distance, on the walkway near the sandstone sea wall. I always try and pick a moment when there aren't any or many people around. It's my little quirk. :)
ReplyDeleteOh cool! I remember that tree! Interesting what you write about dragon's blood.
ReplyDeletehttp://jerusalemhillsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/02/flying-foxes-and-falling-dragons-blood.html
What a fascinating find.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Have never seen a Dragon Tree bent this way.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate this happened to the tree but it remains beautiful to behold.
ReplyDeleteRecalling your post, it was wonderful to actually see this tree when we walked through the Botanic Gardens on our recent visit. Thanks Jim.
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Rae. I'm glad you saw it on your visit there. :)
ReplyDeleteNice picture. We saw this tree in 2007. We travelled for half year in Australia.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Reinier
and greetings from the Netherlands
There is nothing to worry about. Dracaena draco regenerates the roots easily. I grow the large, ca 3 m tall tree from the stump after its all original branches and all roots were removed!
ReplyDeleteMy advice is as follows.
Please make this tree stand straight. Support it with a wooden frame. Bring some course sand at the base of the broken trunk and ensure good drainage. Wait patiently for 1-3 years and the tree will start growing the new adventitious roots from the base of the broken trunk. Guarantee!
If you leave this tree like that it will still grow these roots from the bases of the branches.
Dr Joe Krawczyszyn, Dracaena draco Farm, Melbourne
so very cool! i hope it continues to thrive, even in its bent shape! thanks for linking, jim!
ReplyDelete