Dracaena aethiopica is a species of succulent plant widely distributed in Southern Africa.[1][2] Its binomial name—aethiopica—refers to its origins in Africa.[2] A highly variable species, it grows in desert or dry shrubland (like many in its genus) and spreads rhizomatically.[3] The leaves grow in rosettes and may be up to 70 centimetres (2.3 ft) tall.[4] Genetically, this species is most closely related to Dracaena ballyi.[5] In Africa, this species has been used to augment poisons for hunting and fishing purposes.[4][6]

Dracaena aethiopica
D. aethiopica inflorescence
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dracaena
Species:
D. aethiopica
Binomial name
Dracaena aethiopica
(Thunb.) Byng & Christenh.
Synonyms

Sansevieria aethiopica

References

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  1. ^ "Dracaena aethiopica". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  2. ^ a b Robert H. Webb; Leonard E Newton (2022). The Genus Sansevieria: A Pictorial Guide to the Species. Arid Lands Press. pp. 26–27. ISBN 9798985615906.
  3. ^ Fred Dortort (19 November 2014). The Timber Press Guide to Succulent Plants of the World: A Comprehensive Reference to More than 2000 Species. Timber Press. p. 315. ISBN 978-1-60469-357-7.
  4. ^ a b Neuwinger, Hans Dieter (1996). African Ethnobotany: Poisons and Drugs : Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology. CRC Press. ISBN 978-3-8261-0077-2.
  5. ^ Manning, John; Boatwright, James S.; Daru, Barnabas H.; Maurin, Olivier; van der Bank, Michelle (2014). "A Molecular Phylogeny and Generic Classification of Asphodelaceae subfamily Alooideae: A Final Resolution of the Prickly Issue of Polyphyly in the Alooids?". Systematic Botany. 39 (1): 55–74. doi:10.1600/036364414X678044. ISSN 0363-6445. JSTOR 24546120.
  6. ^ Teuscher, Eberhard; Lindequist, Ulrike (2023-06-06). Natural Poisons and Venoms: Plant Toxins: Terpenes and Steroids. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. ISBN 978-3-11-072473-8.

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