Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

A symbol of resilience and timeless beauty

The Dragoeiro, commonly known as the Dragon Tree, is an iconic and ancient species of tree belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and parts of western Morocco, this plant is renowned for its distinct umbrella-like canopy and the reddish resin often referred to as “dragon’s blood.” Its striking appearance and cultural significance make it a unique species both ecologically and historically.

In the Azores, the Dragoeiro has found a secondary home, introduced centuries ago by settlers who valued its ornamental beauty and practical uses. While not native to the archipelago, it thrives in the islands’ mild, subtropical climate, often seen in gardens, public spaces, and naturalized in the wild. Today, the Dragoeiro is a cherished component of the Azorean landscape, contributing to its unique biodiversity and symbolizing the enduring connection between the Azores and other Atlantic islands.

Quick facts

Length

Mature Tree: Up to 12–15 meters

Young Trees: Rapid growth in early stages

Weight

Resign: Produces “dragon’s blood,” a red sap with medicinal and cultural value

Habits

Dive Time

n/a

Dive Depth

n/a

Reproduction

>1000 yrs

Life Span:

n/a

Gestation period:

Physical characteristics

Morphological Features

The Dragoeiro is recognized for its thick, forked trunk and smooth, grey bark that exudes its characteristic red resin when cut. Over time, its branches form a dense, umbrella-like crown of stiff, sword-shaped leaves, providing it with an unmistakable silhouette.

The tree’s slow growth rate contributes to its longevity, while its clusters of greenish-white flowers and subsequent orange berries serve as vital food for local wildlife.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Dragon’s Blood Resin +

Used in traditional medicine, dyes, and varnishes. In ancient times, it was believed to have magical properties.

Cultural Symbolism +

A symbol of resilience and longevity in the Canary Islands and surrounding regions.
Linked to local folklore and ancient mythology.

Threats and Conservation

Despite its hardy nature, the Dragoeiro faces significant threats:

Habitat Loss: Urban development and agricultural expansion
Overharvesting: Unsustainable extraction of its resin
Climate Change: Increased droughts impacting seedling survival

The species is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for conservation initiatives. Programs focused on habitat restoration and sustainable management are critical for the long-term survival of this unique tree.

Threats and Conservation

Despite its hardy nature, the Dragoeiro faces significant threats:

Habitat Loss: Urban development and agricultural expansion
Overharvesting: Unsustainable extraction of its resin
Climate Change: Increased droughts impacting seedling survival

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual Maturity

Typically after 10–20 years, depending on environmental conditions

Flowers

Appearing in clusters, primarily during spring and early summer

Fruits

Orange, fleshy berries consumed by birds, aiding in seed dispersal

Growth Cycle

The tree grows slowly but produces new branches after each flowering phase, leading to its characteristic multi-headed crown

Species in the Azores

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

View profile

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm whales hold the title of largest predator on Earth eating mostly giant squids from the deep oceans.

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

View profile

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

View profile

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

View profile

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

View profile

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

View profile

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

View profile

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

View profile

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

View profile

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

View profile

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

View profile

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

View profile

Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

Notable for their striking body patterns and acrobatic prowess.

Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

View profile

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

View profile

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

View profile

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

View profile

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

View profile

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

Sowerby’s Beaked Whales are elusive denizens of the North Atlantic, recognized by their slender beaks and distinctive forehead bulges.

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

View profile

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

View profile

Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

View profile

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

View profile

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

View profile

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

View profile

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

View profile

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

View profile

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

View profile

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

View profile

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

View profile

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

View profile

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

View profile

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

View profile

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

View profile

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

View profile

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

View profile

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

View profile

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

View profile

Whale Watching Azores Essentials

Explore, Love, and Protect: Unveiling the essence of Whale Watching in the Azores

Explore Azores

Adventure awaits

Info & Reservations

info@futurismo.pt
Tel. (+351) 296 628 522
Mobile. (+351) 967 805 101

Licences

MT 22/2009 (Açores)
AT 09/2011/RA (Açores)

Tours & Islands

SITEMAP
TERMS & CONDITIONS
B2B PARTNERS
PRIVACY POLICY
COMPLAINTS BOOK

Partners

Info & Reservations

info@futurismo.pt
Tel. (+351) 296 628 522
Mobile. (+351) 967 805 101

Licences

MT 22/2009 (Açores)
AT 09/2011/RA (Açores)

design by: WEBOOST.PT

Ruben Rodrigues

Owner & General Director

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

The iron-rich water of this spa at open air is naturally warm at any time. This green jungle classified as Natural Regional Monument will transport you to another planet. Enjoy the unique scenery straight out of a Jurassic Park movie.

What to take?

Best Season to Visit

Whale Watching in Ponta Delgada

Whale Watching in Rabo de Peixe

Van Tour to Furnas

Jeep Tour Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo

Kayak Rental in Sete Cidades (double)

Bike Rental in Sete Cidades

Whale Watching in Lajes do Pico

Pico Island Van Tour

Hiking Unesco Heritage

Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

A symbol of resilience and timeless beauty

Quick facts

Length

Weight

Habits

Reproduction

Reproduction

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Near Threatened <img class="graphics-design-i" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tooltip-more-info-futurismo.svg"> Conservation concern, Monitor and protect habitats.

Physical characteristics

Morphological Features

Cultural and Historical Significance

Threats and Conservation

Threats and Conservation

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual Maturity

Flowers

Fruits

Growth Cycle

Species in the Azores

Sighting frequency

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Species

Departure Points

Dates

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Humpback Whale

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Near Threatened

Conservation concern, Monitor and protect habitats.