The groundbreaking discovery of a dragon tree species in India, known as Dracaena cambodiana, has been made by a team led by Assam forest officer Jatindra Sarma. This remarkable finding took place in the Dongka Sarpo area of West Karbi Anglong. This is the first instance where a dragon tree species has been identified within India.
The Unique Properties of Dracaena cambodiana
This plant is known to produce a red resin which is referred to as dragon’s blood. Highly valued, this resin holds significant prominence in traditional Chinese medicine. Over centuries, it has been used for various purposes including body oil, incense, varnish, dye and medicinal uses. The plant is a reservoir of several beneficial compounds having antifungal, antibacterial properties, as well as being a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids.
Distribution and Location of Dracaena Genus
Within India, the Dracaena genus, pertaining to the Asparagaceae family, is represented by nine species and two varieties. These are found primarily in the Himalayan region, northeast India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, according to recent studies, Dracaena cambodiana stands out as the only true dragon tree species in the country.
Threats to the Dragon Tree Species
Unfortunately, the same properties that make Dracaena cambodiana invaluable have also led to its overexploitation. There has been an increasing demand for the plant’s dragon’s blood, subsequently resulting in rapid depletion of the species. This overuse has led to the inclusion of the species in the inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of China.
According to estimates, the population of this dragon tree species in Assam is less than 50 mature individuals. In addition to human exploitation, threats to its survival include its severely fragmented habitat due to the open excavation of a stone quarry. Moreover, there is an ongoing decrease in its area of occupancy and number of mature individuals.
| Dragon Tree Species | Location | Population Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Dracaena cambodiana | Assam, India | Fewer than 50 mature individuals |
Natural Conservation Challenges
The plant’s survival is also endangered by natural factors. Usually, the Dracaena seeds are dispersed through birds; however, due to the large fruit size of Dracaena cambodiana, only a few bird species are capable of swallowing the fruits. This severely restricts the scope of the plant’s natural conservation. It’s clear that immediate steps need to be taken to ensure the survival and propagation of this invaluable species.