Asparagaceae
Dracaena usambarensis
Long-leaved Dragon Tree
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Dracaena usambarensis is an evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching up to 15 metres tall, often with multiple stems and a compact crown. Its leaves are narrow, elongated, and spear-shaped, measuring 15-26 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with a shiny dark green, leathery texture, clustered at branch ends. It produces greenish-white, sweet-scented flowers in loose branched spikes that open at night, followed by red-brown fleshy berries up to 2 cm in diameter.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to the Kenya coast, including Kilifi District, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is well-suited for coastal gardens, performing well as an ornamental specimen, for shade, or in restoration plantings in forest edges and swampy areas.
Growing notes
This is a fast-growing plant that responds well to coppicing. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil, though it can tolerate periods of dryness once established. All parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested by pets.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: scribd.com, worldagroforestry.org, jstor.org, selinawamucii.com, seedsandall.co.za, gardendesign.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.