Hubbry Logo
Dracaena reflexaDracaena reflexaMain
Open search
Dracaena reflexa
Community hub
Dracaena reflexa
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Dracaena reflexa
Dracaena reflexa
from Wikipedia

Dracaena reflexa
Mature specimens on Réunion
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Convallarioideae
Genus: Dracaena
Species:
D. reflexa
Binomial name
Dracaena reflexa
Synonyms[2]
  • Cordyline reflexa (Lam.) Endl.
  • Dracaena reflexa var. typica Baker
  • Draco reflexa (Lam.) Kuntze
  • Pleomele reflexa (Lam.) N.E.Br.
  • Lomatophyllum reflexum (Lam.) Bojer

Dracaena reflexa (commonly called song of India[3] or song of Jamaica) is a tree native to Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and other nearby islands of the Indian Ocean.[2] It is widely grown as an ornamental plant and houseplant, valued for its richly coloured, evergreen leaves, and thick, irregular stems.

Description

[edit]

While it may reach a height of 4–5 m, rarely 6 m in ideal, protected locations, D. reflexa is usually much smaller, especially when grown as a houseplant. It is slow-growing and upright in habit, tending to an oval shape. The lanceolate leaves are simple, spirally arranged, 5–20 cm long and 1.5–5 cm broad at the base, with a parallel venation and entire margin; they grow in tight whorls and are a uniform dark green.[4][5]

The flowers are small, clustered, usually white and extremely fragrant, appearing in mid winter. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are especially showy. D. reflexa var. angustifolia (syn. D. marginata) differs in having a magenta tint to its flowers, a shrubby habit, and olive green leaves.[6]

Taxonomy

[edit]

Dracaena reflexa was first described by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1786. It has been placed in several other related genera, including Cordyline and Pleomele.[2]

Varieties

[edit]
Dracaena reflexa var. variegata at Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

As of January 2026, Plants of the World Online accepts the following 13 varieties:[2]

  • Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia Baker – western Indian Ocean islands
  • Dracaena reflexa var. bakeri (Scott Elliot) H.Perrier – south-east Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. brevituba H.Perrier – central Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. condensata H.Perrier – south-east Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. lanceolata H.Perrier – Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. linearifolia Ayres ex Baker – Mascarenes, Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. nervosa H.Perrier – Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. occidentalis H.Perrier – west and south-west Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. parvifolia Thouars ex H.Perrier – east Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. reflexa – north-east Mozambique, western Indian Ocean islands
  • Dracaena reflexa var. salicifolia (Regel) Baker – Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. subcapitata H.Perrier – east Madagascar
  • Dracaena reflexa var. subelliptica H.Perrier – east Madagascar

Cultivation and uses

[edit]
Dracaena reflexa: Song of Jamaica
Specimen at North Carolina Zoo

Dracaena reflexa is a popular ornamental plant, both in the landscape and the home. It can be enjoyed as a specimen plant, accent, or pruned to create a border. Several cultivars have been selected, particularly variegated clones with cream and yellow-green margins. It performs well as a houseplant, tolerating infrequent waterings. It prefers bright, filtered light, without direct sun exposure, restricted outdoors to zones 10–11. It has average water needs and should be fertilized bi-weekly when actively growing. Although it can survive in relatively low light levels, the plant may grow spindly if given insufficient light. When grown indoors, temperatures of 18 to 25 °C (64 to 77 °F) should be maintained. It can be propagated via herbaceous stem cuttings.[citation needed]

The cultivar Dracaena reflexa 'Variegata' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[7] (confirmed 2017)[8]

Traditional medicine practitioners of Madagascar have long believed Dracaena reflexa to cure malarial symptoms, poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, and to be useful as an antipyretic and hemostatic agent. The leaves and bark are mixed with parts of a number of other native plants and mixed into herbal teas. Its effectiveness in any such treatment remains unproven.[9]

Dracaena reflexa: Song of India

The fruit of D. reflexa is also important to the diet of the Malagasy black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata variegata).[10] The Frégate beetle (Polposipus herculeanus), an endangered species endemic to Frégate Island in the Seychelles, is also known to associate with this plant.[11]

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia

[edit]
Roots of Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia (Dracaena marginata 'Tricolor')
Dracaena tricolor

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia is also known as D. marginata, a name found in horticulture.[12] This is a durable popular tropical house plant from Madagascar. The thin leaves are linear and a deep, glossy green color with red edges; typically 30–90 cm long and 2–7 cm broad, tapering to an acuminate point. It is a popular houseplant that needs little attention, with several cultivars available with the leaves variegated with red or pale yellow.

It requires a minimum temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), and is more tolerant than most plants of dry soil and irregular watering, though liable to root decay in permanently wet soil. Because it requires minimal care it is very popular in offices where the constant heat and light suits its growing requirements. They can grow between 2.5–4 meters in height and will ultimately spread between 1.5 and 2.5 meters.[13]

There are many commonly used names to describe this variety that arise due to the various growth patterns and different cultivars. Some of the most popular are red edge dracaena, Madagascar dragon tree dracaena, dragon blood tree, and tree dracaena.[14] With the variety of forms and cultivars, there are also some hybrid crosses that can arise as well.

The cultivar 'Tricolor' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[15]

Versatility

[edit]

The plant can be grown in virtually any pattern, with the most popular being bush, straight cane, staggered cane, tree form, and custom character forms. The variety also has a handful of different cultivars from selective breeding. These include 'Tarzan', 'Magenta', 'Tricolor', and 'Colorama'.[14]

Uses

[edit]

It is one of the plants used in the NASA Clean Air Study and has shown to help remove formaldehyde.[citation needed] It is an effective air cleaner and is said to be among the best plants for removing xylene and trichloroethylene.[16]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dracaena reflexa is an or small in the family , native to the tropical islands of the western , including , , Réunion, , the , , and the , as well as northeastern . It typically grows 6 to 20 feet (1.8 to 6 meters) tall in its natural , with a slow growth rate and an upright, bushy habit featuring a narrow trunk and rosettes of glossy, lanceolate to sword-shaped leaves that are 2 to 9 inches (5 to 23 cm) long and dark green, often curving reflexively. The plant produces small, fragrant white flowers in summer under optimal conditions, followed by inconspicuous orange-red berries, though it rarely blooms indoors. Known commonly as song of , pleomele, or reflexed dracaena, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive foliage, with popular variegated cultivars like 'Variegata' featuring yellow or cream margins. This species thrives in bright, indirect light and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, exhibiting high once established but requiring protection from direct sun and cold drafts in cultivation. It is hardy in USDA zones 10b to 12 and is propagated easily from stem cuttings, making it a low-maintenance option for indoor or tropical landscapes. Beyond ornamentation, D. reflexa has traditional medicinal uses in its native regions, as well as environmental applications such as and restoration. Varieties such as var. reflexa and var. angustifolia differ slightly in leaf width and preferences, with the former favoring wetter tropical biomes and the latter more drought-prone areas. While generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from scale insects or in indoor settings, but responds well to proper care.

Taxonomy

Classification and Etymology

Dracaena reflexa belongs to the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class , order , family , genus Dracaena, and species D. reflexa. The species was first described by French botanist in his Encyclopédie Méthodique. Botanique in 1786. Several synonyms have been used historically for Dracaena reflexa, including Lomatophyllum reflexum (Lam.) Bojer, Draco reflexa (Lam.) Kuntze, and reflexa (Lam.) Endl., reflecting changes in taxonomic classifications over time. The of the name Dracaena originates from the Greek term drakaina, meaning "female dragon," which refers to the resin—a exuded by certain in the genus, historically valued for its medicinal and properties. The specific reflexa derives from the Latin word reflexus, signifying "bent back" or "reflexed," a description of the curved or backward-bending posture of the mature leaves. In terms of phylogenetic position, Dracaena reflexa is placed within the tribe Dracaeneae of the subfamily Nolinoideae in the family ; this tribe encompasses various Dracaena species primarily distributed across the tropics, with molecular studies confirming close relationships among them based on chloroplast DNA analyses.

Varieties

Dracaena reflexa comprises 13 accepted infraspecific taxa, primarily varieties endemic to and other western islands such as , , and the , as recognized by the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families at the Royal Botanic Gardens, . These varieties exhibit variations in leaf morphology, including differences in width, , and occasionally color patterns, alongside subtle distinctions in growth and adaptation within wet tropical or seasonally dry biomes. Several former infraspecific names have been relegated to synonymy under these accepted taxa to reflect current taxonomic understanding. The nominotypical variety, Dracaena reflexa var. reflexa, represents the typical wild form, characterized by broad, sword-shaped leaves that are spirally arranged, reflexed, and uniformly green, typically measuring up to 30 cm in length. Native to northeastern and the western islands, it grows as a or small in humid understories. Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, often called Song of , is distinguished by its narrower, lanceolate leaves, which are glossy green and curved, making it a favored ornamental due to its upright, arching growth habit. This variety is native to the western region, including and nearby archipelagos, where it thrives in similar tropical environments but is widely cultivated indoors for its compact form. Dracaena reflexa var. linearifolia features exceptionally slender, linear leaves that are among the narrowest in the , contributing to a more delicate appearance compared to other varieties. It is distributed across and the , favoring wet tropical habitats. Additional accepted varieties, such as var. bakeri (from southeastern , with seasonally adapted forms), var. nervosa (from dry shrublands in , noted for prominent leaf venation), and var. subelliptica (eastern , with slightly elliptical leaf bases), further illustrate the ' intraspecific diversity through variations in leaf width and regional ecological niches. Some cultivars derived from these varieties, like 'Variegata' with its yellow-margined leaves, enhance ornamental appeal but are not considered botanical varieties.

Description

Morphology

Dracaena reflexa is an or small with an upright, often multi-stemmed growth habit, typically reaching heights of 2 to 6 meters, though specimens can grow up to 6 meters in protected environments. The stems are woody, thick, and erect, forming clumping or irregularly shaped structures that become cane-like with age, marked by distinct leaf scars where lower leaves have fallen off; current-year twigs are gray to silvery in color. The leaves are simple, lanceolate to linear or elliptic in shape, measuring 5 to 15 cm in length and 0.5 to 4 cm in width, with parallel venation, entire margins, and a glossy dark green surface. They are arranged spirally in whorls around the stems, often reflexed or arching at the tips, and lower leaves naturally abscise over time, contributing to the plant's elongated form. Certain varieties exhibit , with margins or stripes in yellow, cream, or reddish hues. The consists of fibrous, shallow roots that spread near the surface, supporting the plant's slow growth as a . Overall, D. reflexa presents a medium-textured, tropical appearance with an open to moderately dense crown of foliage atop its sturdy stems.

Reproduction

Dracaena reflexa reproduces both sexually through flowers, fruits, and seeds, and asexually via suckering. The plant produces small, fragrant, white flowers that are bisexual (perfect) and actinomorphic, arranged in terminal panicles up to 60 cm long. These flowers feature six fused tepals forming a basal tube, six unfused stamens, and a superior with three locules containing numerous ovules; they are pollinated by a diverse array of . Flowering typically occurs in summer within its native range. Upon successful , the flowers develop into inconspicuous -like fruits that mature to an orange-red or brown-orange color. Each contains one to several embedded in orange pulp. These fruits are dispersed primarily by birds and lemurs, facilitating spread in natural habitats. Seed germination in Dracaena reflexa is characteristically slow, often requiring scarification to overcome dormancy, as observed in related Dracaena species. Seeds maintain viability for up to several years under appropriate storage conditions. Asexual reproduction occurs naturally through suckering, where new shoots emerge from the base of established plants, contributing to the species' clump-forming growth habit.

Distribution and Habitat

Native Range

Dracaena reflexa is native to northeastern in and several islands in the western , including , , Réunion, , the , , and the . These regions form its primary wild distribution, where the plant occurs as a or small in natural forest ecosystems. In its native range, D. reflexa inhabits wet tropical biomes, favoring coastal to inland forests at elevations typically up to 1,000 m. It grows in shaded understories, adapting to the humid, warm conditions of these environments. The plant prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils that mimic the porous substrates of its island habitats, and it demonstrates once established while remaining highly sensitive to . The species has been widely introduced to other tropical areas beyond its native range, including and in the United States, where it is cultivated in similar warm, humid settings, contributing to its global presence as a popular landscape element.

Ecological Role

Dracaena reflexa serves as an important component in the ecosystems of its native range, including and surrounding islands, where it facilitates and supports frugivorous . The plant's red berries are consumed by , such as the red-collared brown lemur (Eulemur collaris), which ingest the fruits and deposit seeds away from the parent plant, promoting forest regeneration and genetic diversity in littoral and dry . Frugivorous birds in these habitats also contribute to , enhancing the plant's role in maintaining structure amid fragmented landscapes. As a multi-stemmed or small reaching up to 6 meters in height, D. reflexa provides critical features in shrublands and coastal forests, offering for small mammals and reptiles while its dense foliage creates microhabitats. It supports avian biodiversity by serving as a nesting site for birds. The species' extensive root system further aids stability by binding on slopes and in erosion-prone areas, particularly in its drought-tolerant native environments. Despite these contributions, wild populations of D. reflexa face significant threats from habitat loss driven by , where ongoing forest fragmentation reduces available and woodland areas. However, its adaptability to varying conditions and tolerance for periodic disturbance enable it to persist and even colonize in altered landscapes, supporting resilience in recovering ecosystems.

Cultivation

Propagation Methods

Dracaena reflexa is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings, which provide a reliable and straightforward method for producing new plants in cultivation. To propagate using this technique, select healthy semi-hardwood stems and take cuttings measuring 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) in length, ensuring each includes at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves to expose the stem, and optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance root development. Plant the cuttings in a moist, well-draining medium such as a mix of and , or root them in under high humidity conditions by covering with a or dome. Maintain temperatures around 24–27°C (75–80°F) and bright indirect light; roots typically form in 4–6 weeks, with a high success rate when conditions are optimal. Air layering is another effective approach, particularly suitable for larger or mature specimens of D. reflexa, including varieties like var. angustifolia, where maintaining the plant's size is desirable. This method involves the stem by removing a ring of bark about 2–3 cm wide to expose the layer, applying a rooting hormone powder or liquid to the wound, and wrapping the area with moist sphagnum secured by to retain humidity. Keep the consistently damp and monitor for development, which may take 1–3 months; once are visible through the plastic, sever the layered section below the new and pot it in a suitable medium. This technique yields strong, established with minimal risk of transplant shock. Seed propagation is possible but less commonly practiced for D. reflexa due to its slow growth and the plant's tendency toward in cultivation. Fresh seeds should be sown in a sterile, well-draining medium and kept at 25–30°C (77–86°F) under high and indirect light; can occur in 1–3 months, though viability decreases with age. This method is more relevant for breeding or preserving rather than routine multiplication. Division offers a simple option for propagating mature D. reflexa plants that produce suckers or basal offsets, typically performed during repotting to avoid disturbing established unnecessarily. Gently separate the suckers, ensuring each division has its own and at least one growth point, then immediately replant in fresh potting mix. This asexual method preserves the parent plant's characteristics and is best done in spring when active growth resumes.

Care and Maintenance

Dracaena reflexa thrives in bright, indirect , ideally receiving at least four hours of filtered daily to maintain vibrant foliage, though it can tolerate lower conditions; however, variegated varieties such as 'Variegata' require brighter exposure to prevent color fading. Direct should be avoided to prevent scorch. Watering should be moderate, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out completely between sessions to mimic its native semi-arid preferences and prevent from overwatering, which is a common issue in cultivation; frequency can be reduced during winter when growth slows. Use room-temperature, purified or to avoid buildup, which can cause tip browning. A well-draining potting mix, such as one combining , , and bark for and moisture retention, is essential for healthy development; the should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0). Fertilize during the active (spring through summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) applied monthly, but withhold in fall and winter to avoid salt accumulation. Optimal temperatures range from 18–27°C (65–80°F), with protection from drafts and sudden cold drops below 15°C (60°F), which can induce leaf drop. Humidity levels of 40–60% are ideal; if indoor air is dry, increase moisture through misting or pebble trays, as low exacerbates pest susceptibility. with clean shears can control size and shape, encouraging bushier growth from cut stems, while regular inspection for pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs is recommended—treat infestations promptly with . Common cultivation issues include leaf drop or yellowing in Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, often triggered by cold drafts, inconsistent watering, or fluoride sensitivity in tap water, particularly when grown as an indoor plant; maintaining stable conditions minimizes these problems.

Uses and Significance

Ornamental Uses

Dracaena reflexa, particularly the variegated cultivar 'Song of India' (var. angustifolia), is widely appreciated as an indoor houseplant for its striking, arching foliage in shades of green and yellow, which adds a vibrant tropical aesthetic to homes and offices. It thrives in decorative pots, serving as a focal point in living rooms or workspaces due to its upright growth and tolerance for low light conditions, enhancing interior spaces with minimal maintenance. In outdoor settings, Dracaena reflexa is utilized in frost-free climates (USDA zones 10-11) for landscaping as hedges, border plantings, or accent features in tropical and subtropical gardens. It pairs effectively with palms to create Mediterranean-style landscapes, providing year-round greenery and structure in parks or residential designs. The plant's versatility stems from its response to , allowing it to be shaped into topiaries, single-trunk specimens, or bushy forms for varied decorative effects, while its variegated leaves offer textural contrast in mixed plantings. Its slow growth rate makes it ideal for low-maintenance ornamental applications, requiring occasional trimming to maintain form without frequent intervention. Historically, Dracaena reflexa gained popularity in European cultivation during the 19th century as exotic plants became fashionable among botanists and horticulturists, contributing to its enduring role in ornamental horticulture.

Medicinal and Cultural Uses

In traditional Malagasy medicine, Dracaena reflexa is employed to alleviate symptoms of malaria, poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea, as well as serving as an antipyretic and hemostatic agent. Healers prepare decoctions from the leaves and bark, often combining them with other native plants to create herbal teas consumed in bowls several times daily. Scientific studies have identified secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and terpenoids in the plant, which exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, providing partial validation for these uses, though comprehensive clinical evidence remains limited. Culturally, D. reflexa holds symbolic value in certain Asian and African traditions, representing , , and protection against negative energies. In Feng Shui-inspired practices, it is gifted to promote positive energy flow and resilience in homes. African communities occasionally use related Dracaena species for spiritual and boundary demarcation, attributing protective qualities to the plant. In its native range, D. reflexa has environmental uses, including and habitat restoration. The fruits of D. reflexa serve as a food source for the critically endangered (Varecia variegata), contributing to the species' dietary profile. Modern applications of D. reflexa in herbal supplements are rare, with most research focusing on its potential rather than commercial products, and use is cautioned due to inherent plant toxicity.

Toxicity and Conservation

Toxicity

Dracaena reflexa contains , steroidal glycosides found primarily in its leaves and stems, which are the main toxic principles responsible for its mild . In humans, of the plant can cause mild symptoms such as mouth and throat irritation, , , and , though it is generally non-lethal. Skin contact with the may lead to irritation in sensitive individuals. The plant is toxic to dogs and cats, with the ASPCA classifying it as a moderate due to . Common symptoms in pets include (sometimes with blood), depression, anorexia, , diarrhea, weakness, , and dilated pupils in cats. Ingestion risks are heightened by the plant's red berries, which are poisonous and may attract children and pets. Treatment for ingestion is supportive, involving inducing vomiting if recent, administering activated charcoal, and providing veterinary care to manage symptoms; lethal doses are rare given the mild toxicity. Precautions include keeping Dracaena reflexa out of reach in households with pets or young children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Conservation Status

Dracaena reflexa is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the , with the assessment conducted in 2019 by the IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group. This status reflects the species' extensive distribution across tropical regions of the western , including , , , and , where it occurs in a variety of and scrub habitats without evidence of significant . The plant's adaptability to different environmental conditions contributes to its stability, as it maintains viable populations across its native range. Populations of D. reflexa are considered stable in their native habitats, with the described as common in areas like Madagascar's upland and intermediate forests. Although precise global population estimates are unavailable, its widespread occurrence and lack of severe fragmentation support the absence of immediate risks. In introduced regions, such as parts of the Pacific, it is cultivated without posing notable ecological concerns. Key threats to D. reflexa include habitat loss driven by agricultural expansion and , particularly in , where these activities have impacted forest ecosystems. Climate change poses additional risks to island populations through altered rainfall patterns and increased intensity, potentially affecting regeneration and distribution. Despite these pressures, the species' resilience and broad range prevent qualification for a threatened category. Conservation measures encompass protection within reserves, such as Mauritius's , where it occurs naturally, and inclusion in initiatives to restore degraded habitats. Propagation efforts, often through its use as an , aid in , while ongoing monitoring by the IUCN Global Tree Specialist Group ensures continued assessment of its status.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.