DRACENAS. 



87 



DRACENAS. 



This plant, named from drakina, a female dragon, 

 belongs to a genus of endogenous plants, natives of 

 India, of which one species affords the resin of 

 commerce called dragon's blood. Dracenas are 

 cultivated for the beauty of their foliage. The 

 graceful, palm-like form of growth and intense 

 coloring of some varieties give them high rank 

 among the ornamental-leaved plants. A few years 

 ago they were seen only in collections of choice 

 green-house plants. They will flourish in the living- 

 room under ordinary treatment, and make beautiful 

 standard plants for vases and hanging-baskets ; 

 their pleasing tropical habit rendering them very 

 suitable for house decoration. 



SOIL, TEMPERATURE AND PROPAGATION. 



Dracenas thrive in a light, loamy soil. 

 They like a temperature of from 50 to 75 °. 

 Large cuttings root freely in sand, provided 

 there is a strong heat. 



VARIETIES. 



Dracena Anstralis, long, graceful, narrow leaves. 

 D. Brasiliensis, broad, deep-green leaves. 

 D. Congests narrow green leaves. 



D. Guilfoleyii, variegated white and green, rare and beautiful. 

 D Indivisa, green and bronze, narrow leaves. 

 D A T obilis Slricta, marked with crimson. 



D Terminate, a variety most used, easily managed ; foliage 

 rich crimson, marked with pink and white. 



