An unusual tree has been given a new home in Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
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A 70 year old Dracaena draco, commonly known as the Dragon Tree, was relocated by truck from a private property in Dalkeith in the early hours of Tuesday 18 November.
The Dragon Tree was offered by a private donor, as the property where it was located has been sold and is scheduled for imminent clearing.
At 10 metres tall and 7 metres wide, the Dragon Tree has a new high profile home on Fraser Avenue close to Kings Park Road. This will enable the public to view its development and will enhance the botanic collections on display in this precinct.
The Dragon Tree made its journey from Dalkeith to Kings Park in the early hours of 18 November to minimise traffic disruption. A crane was then used to move it into its new home.
Dracaena draco generally transplants well due it its large, fibrous root system. Its growth will be monitored over time and it is expected to be anchored to the ground for the next few years while the root system re-establishes.
Dracaena draco is native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco and Cape Verde Island. It is, in fact, a monocot (like a palm) rather than a true tree.
The common name of Dragon Tree is derived from its red sap, traditionally referred to as dragon blood.
