India’s first Dragon blood-oozing Tree discovered in Assam 25/07/2019 – Posted in: Daily News
INDIA’S FIRST DRAGON BLOOD-OOZING TREE DISCOVERED IN ASSAM
Researchers discover Dracaena cambodiana, a dragon tree species, in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district.
- It is a plant that yields dragon’s blood — a bright red resin used since ancient times as medicine, body oil, varnish, incense and dye.
- The sap turns bright red after coming in contact with air.
- This is for the first time that a dragon tree species has been reported from India.
Background
- In India, the Dracaena genus belonging to the family Asparagaceae is represented by nine species and two varieties in the Himalayan region, the northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- But Dracaena cambodiana is the only true dragon tree species
Dracaena cambodiana
- It is an important medicinal plant as well as an ornamental tree.
- It is a major source of dragon’s blood, a precious traditional medicine in China.
- Several antifungal and antibacterial compounds, antioxidants, flavonoids, etc., have been extracted from various parts of the plant.
Present Status
The species is already listed in the inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of China.
Cause of depletion
- Recent overexploitation to meet the increasing demand for dragon’s blood has resulted in rapid depletion of the plant.
- The habitat of the plant is severely fragmented due to open excavation of a stone quarry.
- There is continuing decrease in its area of occupancy and number of mature individuals.
- The Dracaena seeds are usually dispersed by birds.
- But due to the large fruit size, only a few species of birds are able to swallow the fruits, thus limiting the scope of its natural conservation.
Source: The Hindu
You can follow us on LinkedIn and on Instagram (Diligent IAS) for more updates related to IAS Preparation/ Study Material, Subscribe to our Facebook Page and Youtube Channel- Diligent IAS