Dragon Trees - Tertiary Relicts in Current Reality

Dear Collegues,

Only a few species among more than 60–100 species of the genus Dracaena reach the arborescent form. Arborescent dracaenas were classified into dragon tree group comprising following species: Dracaena cinnabari, D. tamaranae, D. draco s.l., D. ombet s.l., and D. serrulata s.l. present in South Arabia, Macaronesia and North Africa. It is possible to count other species from Neotropics - D. americana, Asia - D. jayniana, D. cochinchinensis, D. yuccifolia, D. cambodiana and D. kaweesakii, and Africa – D. ellenbeckiana and D. steudneri to the dragon tree group due to its tree growth habit. Dragon trees are Tertiary relict species, the ecosystems (woodlands and very rare forests) with these species belong to one of the oldest ecosystems around the world. Most species are endemic with limited (often island) distribution. The distribution of Dragon trees is scattered comprising of a small population with unbalanced age structure, where often young trees are missing because the natural regeneration is damaged by overgrazing. Most species are spread in developing countries of the arid tropical zone where the populations are under pressure of local shepherds. Dragon trees are also an important source of non-timber products, the trees produce red resin called dragon´s blood, which is used for colouring and medical purposes since ancient times. Thus, most species are endangered and listed in IUCN Red List. The main objective of the Special Issue is to present the latest results of research focused on species of the dragon tree group and to determine main gaps for future investigation as the bases for conservation management. Special Issue will accept studies from broad research topics related to Dragon trees taxonomy and evolution, morphology and anatomy, eco-physiology, distribution and ecology, chemical composition of resin and its medical use, ethnobotany and history of dragon´s blood harvesting, species specific relationships (Dragon trees as a habitat), threat and nature conservation.

Prof. Dr. Petr Maděra
Prof. Dr. Fabio Attorre
Prof. Dr. Anthony G. Miller
Prof. Dr. Nadezhda Nadezhdina
Guest Editors

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