Ornamental Some shrubby species, such as
D. fragrans,
D. surculosa,
D. marginata, and
D. sanderiana, are popular as
houseplants. Many of these are toxic to pets, though not humans, according to the ASPCA among others. Rooted stem cuttings of
D. sanderiana are sold as "lucky bamboo", although only superficially resembling true
bamboos. Dracaena houseplants like humidity and moderate watering. They can tolerate periods of drought but the tips of the leaves may turn brown. Leaves at the base will naturally yellow and drop off, leaving growth at the top and a bare stem. Dracaena are vulnerable to
mealybugs and
scale insects.
Other A naturally occurring bright red resin,
dragon's blood, is collected from
D. draco and, in ancient times, from
D. cinnabari. Modern dragon's blood is, however, more likely to be from the unrelated
Calamus rattan palms, formerly placed in
Daemonorops. It also has social functions in marking graves, sacred sites, and farm plots in many African societies. ==Gallery==