Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal

The genus Dracaena includes some of the most iconic trees on Earth, and the dragon trees — with their thick trunks, umbrella-shaped crowns, and legendary crimson resin — sit at the very top of that list. For centuries, the Canary Islands dragon tree (Dracaena draco subsp. draco) was believed to be the only dragon tree of the western Mediterranean region, with wild populations confined to Macaronesia. That picture changed dramatically in 1996, when French zoologist Fabrice Cuzin and Moroccan botanist Abdelmalek Benabid discovered thousands of wild dragon trees clinging to the quartzite cliffs of the Anti-Atlas mountains in southwestern Morocco. The plants were described as a new subspecies: Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal Benabid & Cuzin (1997).

This discovery was one of the most significant botanical finds of the late twentieth century. It extended the known range of Dracaena draco from the Atlantic islands to the African mainland, and — crucially for gardeners — it introduced into cultivation a dragon tree adapted to continental, montane conditions rather than the mild, oceanic climate of the Canary Islands. The Moroccan dragon tree grows at elevations where frost is a regular occurrence, summer fogs provide moisture, and the substrate is bare rock. These ecological differences have led growers and nurseries to speculate that subsp. ajgal may be more cold-hardy than the typical Canarian form — a hypothesis that remains partially tested and incompletely documented.

Taxonomy

Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal was formally described by Benabid and Cuzin in a paper published in the Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences (Paris, Série III, Sciences de la Vie, 320: 267–277, 1997). The type locality is Jbel Imzi, near Anezi, in the western Anti-Atlas, at approximately 450 m elevation.

The taxonomic rank of this taxon is debated. Most references in the scientific literature, in the nursery trade, and among collectors continue to use the subspecific rank Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal. However, POWO (Plants of the World Online, Kew, 2025) now treats the Moroccan dragon tree as a distinct species, Dracaena ajgal (Benabid & Cuzin) Rivas Mart., Molero Mesa, Marfíl & G.Benítez, following an elevation to species rank proposed by Rivas Martínez et al. (2020). The same treatment has been applied to the Cape Verdean form, now listed as Dracaena caboverdeana.

Phylogeographic analyses based on plastid DNA (Durán et al., 2020) confirmed that all Macaronesian and Moroccan dragon trees form a monophyletic clade, separate from the East African and Arabian dragon trees (Dracaena cinnabari, Dracaena ombet, Dracaena serrulata). Within this clade, haplotype diversity is remarkably low, and the Moroccan and Madeiran populations may represent recent peripheral expansions from Canarian source populations rather than ancient relicts. This finding complicates the species-level split, and many taxonomists continue to treat the three western dragon tree populations as subspecies of Dracaena draco.

This article uses the subspecific rank Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal, which remains the most widely used treatment in the literature and in commerce.

Synonyms: Dracaena ajgal (Benabid & Cuzin) Rivas Mart., Molero Mesa, Marfíl & G.Benítez (POWO accepted name, 2025)

Family: Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae (APG IV)

Etymology

The epithet ajgal is the Tachelhit Berber name given to the dragon tree by the local population of the Jbel Imzi region. It is usually translated as “that which stays up high” or “the inaccessible” — an apt description for a tree that grows on vertical cliff faces at altitudes of up to 1,550 m. According to some local sources, the word ajgal also refers to beehives, because the Berber population traditionally hollowed out dragon tree trunks or branches to use as beehives.

Description

Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal is morphologically very similar to the Canarian subspecies and differs primarily in quantitative characters. The original description by Benabid and Cuzin (1997) notes the following distinguishing features:

Leaves: up to approximately 60 cm long and 3 cm wide — somewhat smaller and narrower than those of subsp. draco, which can reach 60–120 cm long and 3–5 cm wide. Leaves are strap-shaped, glaucous green, and arranged in dense terminal rosettes.

Flowers: pedicels 1–4 mm long. Perianth yellowish-white, with a campanulate tube 1–2 mm long. Tepals 7–8 mm long. Anthers yellow.

General habit: an arborescent monocotyledon with a single smooth trunk that branches dichotomously after each flowering episode. Mature specimens at the type locality can be very large, with multi-branched crowns. The trunk produces the characteristic “dragon’s blood” resin — a dark red exudate that dries to a crimson powder — when wounded.

Fruit: spherical berries, orange at maturity, containing 1–3 seeds. The fleshy fruit pulp contains a germination inhibitor and must be removed before sowing.

The subspecies is described as variable in leaf dimensions, and flower size can vary significantly even between successive flowering episodes on the same individual (Bos, 2003).

Habitat and Distribution

Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal is endemic to the western Anti-Atlas mountains of Morocco, east of Tiznit, in the Souss-Massa region (Agadir area). Wild populations are concentrated on the quartzite cliffs of two mountain massifs: Jbel Imzi and Jbel Adad Medni, on either side of the gorges of the Assif Oumarhouz (Oued Ou Maghouz).

The plants grow at elevations ranging from approximately 250 m to 1,550 m. The substrate is quartzite; soils, where present, are brown or red fersiallitic and occur only on ledges and cliff terraces. The densest populations and the largest individual trees are found on north-facing cliff faces, while south-facing slopes carry sparser and smaller individuals.

The bioclimate of the dragon tree zone spans two levels:

  • A hot, semi-arid inframediterranean level from the wadi floor up to approximately 600 m
  • A thermomediterranean level above 600 m, transitioning from upper semi-arid to lower sub-humid conditions at the highest elevations

Summer fogs are frequent in the gorges, rising from the valley to envelop the upper altitudes. Annual precipitation is estimated at around 500 mm. The very largest dragon trees, reaching several metres in trunk circumference, are found above 1,000 m on north-facing ledges, in association with Quercus rotundifolia, Ceratonia siliqua, Laurus azorica, and Saxifraga globulifera.

The phytosociological analysis by Benabid and Cuzin (1997) established a new plant association: Davallio canariensis–Dracaenetum ajgal, placed in the Senecio anteuphorbii–Arganion alliance, the Acacio–Arganietalia order, and the Quercetea ilicis class. The co-occurrence of Macaronesian elements such as Davallia canariensis, Laurus azorica, and Asplenium aethiopicum alongside North African endemics makes this site of exceptional biogeographic importance — providing strong evidence that the Canary Islands flora was colonised from southwestern Morocco via wind, bird, or ocean dispersal.

Conservation

The total wild population consists of several thousand individuals, concentrated in a relatively small area rendered partially inaccessible by terrain. The inaccessibility of the cliffs has historically protected the populations, but threats exist:

  • Traditional exploitation: Berber populations have long used dragon tree trunks as beehives, harvested dragon’s blood resin for pigments and traditional medicine, and used the wood for various purposes. Ancient rock paintings in the area were reportedly made using dragon’s blood resin as a pigment.
  • Overgrazing: as with other dragon tree species worldwide, browsing by domestic goats prevents natural regeneration.
  • Climate change: increasingly arid conditions may reduce the summer fog that provides supplementary moisture at higher elevations.

Dracaena draco as a whole is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The Moroccan subspecies has not been separately assessed. A local conservation association, the Association Ajgal pour la protection de l’environnement, works to raise awareness of the dragon tree among the local population and visitors.

Cultivation

Growing conditions

Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal is cultivated in essentially the same way as the Canarian subspecies. It is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant tree that thrives in hot, dry conditions with excellent drainage. Young plants are easy to grow in containers and make attractive long-term patio or conservatory specimens.

Light: full sun to light shade. Young plants benefit from partial shade, especially in hot climates; mature specimens tolerate full sun. The nursery Canarius (Tenerife) notes that hot, dry conditions produce bluer foliage on subadult and adult plants, while young plants tend to remain green.

Soil: very well-drained. In the wild, the plants grow on quartzite rock with minimal soil. In cultivation, a mineral-rich, free-draining substrate is essential — a mix of loam, coarse sand, perlite, and gravel works well. An interesting observation from the Cactus Francophone forum is that subsp. ajgal, unlike the Canarian form, is reported to tolerate calcareous (limestone) soils — consistent with its association with Quercus rotundifolia in the wild.

Water: moderate during the growing season, very reduced in winter. The primary cause of death in cultivation is overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot, particularly during the cold months.

Growth rate: slow. A young seedling may take a decade to reach 1–1.2 m in height, though growth can be somewhat faster in warm, well-fertilised conditions.

Cold hardiness — what growers report

The question of whether Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal is more cold-hardy than the Canarian form is perhaps the single most discussed topic among growers. The reasoning is straightforward: subsp. ajgal grows at elevations up to 1,550 m in a continental mountain setting, where nocturnal temperatures in winter can drop well below freezing — conditions considerably harsher than the mild, oceanic climate of the Canary Islands. However, documented evidence from cultivation remains limited, and no controlled comparative cold-hardiness trials have been published.

Here is what is available from forum reports and nursery observations:

Nursery assessments:

The European nursery Cycadales.eu, which sells plants from seed collected near the type locality in Morocco, rates subsp. ajgal as suitable for USDA zone 9b but recommends keeping it frost-free. The Canarius nursery (Tenerife) describes it as “damaged by frost but it does well in cool conditions” and adds: “This is an inland subspecies, it is possibly more hardy to cold!”

French forum reports (Forum des Fous de Palmiers, Cactus Francophone):

On the Forum des Fous de Palmiers, Jean-Michel D (La Londe-les-Maures, Var, France) reported that young plants of subsp. ajgal suffered frost damage on the leaf margins under greenhouse conditions during the February 2012 cold spell at −4 °C; the plants survived. On the same forum, the user HARRYMANAE reported that his potted subsp. ajgal tolerated −1.5 °C without protection and without damage, and cited information suggesting tolerance to −5 °C when kept dry. Another contributor reported losing a Dracaena draco (subspecies unspecified) to rot after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations and excess humidity in winter — highlighting that cold combined with moisture, rather than cold alone, is the critical killer.

On the Cactus Francophone forum, a contributor noted that the interest of subsp. ajgal lies in its tolerance of calcareous soils and slightly negative temperatures, since it grows at around 1,500 m in the Atlas.

Summary on cold hardiness:

The available evidence does not yet conclusively demonstrate that subsp. ajgal is significantly more cold-hardy than subsp. draco. Both forms appear to tolerate brief drops to approximately −3 to −5 °C if conditions are dry and drainage is excellent, but sustained freezing, prolonged wet cold, or snow contact causes severe damage and often death. As with many borderline-hardy plants, microclimate factors (shelter from wind, south-facing aspect, overhead canopy, free-draining substrate, dryness at the root zone) matter more than the absolute minimum temperature. The hypothesis of greater cold tolerance in subsp. ajgal is plausible given its montane habitat, but awaits rigorous testing with paired plantings of both subspecies in identical conditions.

Propagation

From seed: the primary method. Fresh seeds germinate readily. The fleshy orange fruit pulp must be thoroughly removed before sowing, as it contains a germination inhibitor. Soak cleaned seeds in lukewarm water for 24–48 hours, then sow in a well-drained mix at 20–25 °C. Germination typically occurs within 4–8 weeks. Growth is slow in the first years.

From stem cuttings: possible but slow and unreliable. Sections of trunk or branch can be rooted in a sandy mix, but rooting can take many months and success rates are lower than with seed. One grower on Dave’s Garden reported that a thick stem cutting produced no roots after a full year in a pot, despite remaining visually alive with firm tissue.

Pests and diseases

Dragon trees in cultivation are relatively trouble-free. The main problems are:

  • Root rot from overwatering, especially in winter — the most common cause of death
  • Mealybugs and scale insects, particularly on indoor-grown specimens
  • Crown rot (bud rot) after frost damage — the crown turns brown from the centre outward and collapses; often fatal

Cultural and Historical Significance

The dragon trees of the Anti-Atlas are deeply embedded in local Berber culture. The inhabitants of the Jbel Imzi region have long used dragon tree trunks as beehives (ruches), exploiting the insulating properties of the wood — indeed, one etymological interpretation of ajgal is “beehive” in Tachelhit. Dragon’s blood resin was used locally in traditional medicine, as a pigment for rock paintings in the surrounding caves, and as a dye. The very discovery of the population was remarkable: despite the presence of thousands of trees, the site had escaped the attention of botanists until 1996 — known only to local shepherds and villagers — because of the extreme inaccessibility of the terrain.

A documentary about the Ajgal dragon tree was produced by the Moroccan television programme Amoudou. The Association Ajgal, founded by local community members including the mountain guide Lahoucine, works to promote awareness and protection of this natural heritage.

Sites and Pages of Interest

Bibliography

Benabid, A. & Cuzin, F. (1997). Populations de dragonnier (Dracaena draco L. subsp. ajgal Benabid et Cuzin) au Maroc : valeurs taxinomique, biogéographique et phytosociologique. Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences, Série III, Sciences de la Vie 320: 267–277. doi:10.1016/S0764-4469(97)86935-1

Bos, J.J. (1984, 1998, 2003). Dracaena in tropical Africa. In: Flora of Tropical East Africa, Wageningen Agricultural University Papers. Various editions.

Cartereau, M. et al. (2024). Germination niche of the endangered dragon tree Dracaena draco (L.) L. subsp. draco of the Macaronesian Islands. South African Journal of Botany 163: 188–196.

Durán, A., Menezes de Sequeira, M., et al. (2020). Iconic, threatened, but largely unknown: Biogeography of the Macaronesian dragon trees (Dracaena spp.) as inferred from plastid DNA markers. Taxon 69(2): 217–233.

Lu, P.-L. & Morden, C.W. (2014). Phylogenetic relationships among dracaenoid genera (Asparagaceae: Nolinoideae) inferred from chloroplast DNA loci. Systematic Botany 39: 90–104.

Maděra, P. et al. (2020). First Age-Estimation Model for Dracaena ombet and Dracaena draco subsp. caboverdeana. Forests 11(3): 264.

Marrero, A. & Almeida Pérez, R.S. (2012). A new subspecies, Dracaena draco (L.) L. subsp. caboverdeana Marrero Rodr. & R.S. Almeida (Dracaenaceae) from Cape Verde Islands. International Journal of Geobotanical Research 2: 35–40.

Marrero, A., Almeida Pérez, R.S. & González-Martín, M. (1998). A new species of the wild dragon tree, Dracaena (Dracaenaceae) from Gran Canaria and its taxonomic and biogeographic implications. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 128: 291–314.

Rivas Martínez, S., Molero Mesa, J., Marfíl, J.M. & Benítez, G. (2020). Floristic and geobotanical comments concerning Morocco flora. Note 1. Naturalia Cantabricae 8(Esp. 3): 115–121.

Eggli, U. (ed.) (2001). Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York.

Bañares, A. et al. (2006). Dracaena draco. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.