Dracaena Draco, The Dragon Tree

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The Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) originates from the Canary Islands. Its indigenous population believe that this tree has magical properties. This belief is partly due to the fact that when the bark is cut, and reddish resin known as 'dragon's blood' is secreted which oxidises in the open air and then crystallizes.

Dragon's blood was already known to the Romans, who used it as a colourant. In the Middle Ages it was sought over by wizards and alchemists who believed it had therapeutic properties. In the eighteenth century, it was used as a colourant by painters Today, it is used in the preparation of varnishes for musical string instruments, and more rarely in cosmetics.

REFERENCES
APP:
■coopculture.it
The Botanical Garden of Palermo

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