''Dracaena kaweesakii'' (Kaweesak's dragon tree; Thai: ''Chan nuu'' or ''Chan pha krai'') is a species of

dragon tree ''Dracaena'' () is a genus of about 120 species of trees and succulent shrubs. The formerly accepted genera ''Pleomele'' and ''Sansevieria'' are now included in ''Dracaena''. In the APG IV classification system, it is placed in the family Asp ...

. It can reach in both height and crown diameter. It is only found growing atop the limestone mountains in the Loei and the Lop Buri Provinces of Thailand.

Description

''Dracaena kaweesakii'' is a species of

characterized by an extensive branching system; a fully grown specimen has several hundred branches. It has sword shaped leaves with white edges that grow in large clusters (20-50 leaves) and can be up to long. It has cream-colored flowers that have and slight green or yellow tint and bright orange filaments. ''D. kaweesakii'' produces brown fruit that turn orange when ripe. Seeds are in diameter. ''D. kaweesakii'' can grow to be tall with a crown diameter of . The tree's trunk can reach in diameter. ''Dracaena kaweesakii'' in known from northern, northeastern, and central Thailand. Oral reports suggest it is also found in neighboring Burma. The tree grows on

limestone Limestone ( calcium carbonate ) is a type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of . Limestone forms whe ...

outcrops at altitudes of . Higher altitude specimens tend to be shorter and less branching and smaller leaves. Because of its limited distribution and the harvesting of limestone for concrete production the species is thought to be endangered. As of 2013, the population was estimated to be less than 2500. In May 2014, the

International Institute for Species Exploration The International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) is a research institute located in Syracuse, New York. Its mission is to improve taxonomical exploration and the cataloging of new species of flora and fauna. Since 2008, IISE has publ ...

named ''D. kaweesakii'' as one of the "Top 10 New Species" named in 2013.

Taxonomic history

''Dracaena kaweesakii'' was first described in 2013 by Paul Wilkin ''et al.'' in the journal '' PhytoKeys''. The specific name derives from the name of Kaweesak Keeratikiat, a member of the team that identified the tree as a unique species.

Use by humans

''Dracaena kaweesakii'' is commonly used in Thai

horticulture Horticulture is the branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science, technology, and business of plant cultivation. It includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, flowers, seaweeds and no ...

due to its extensive branching. A number of specimens are found on the grounds of

Buddhist Buddhism ( , ), also known as Buddha Dharma and Dharmavinaya (), is an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It originated in northern India as a -movement in the 5th century BCE, and ...

temples. In general, species of '' Dracaena'' are thought to bring good luck to those who have the trees in their yards.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q15296361 kaweesakii Plants described in 2013