Dracaena arborea aka Tree Dracaena

Dracaena arborea is a tree that stays green year-round. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It comes from the wet tropics of western Africa. Its range reaches Angola. Records place it in Guinea, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. It also grows in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It lives in wet forests, often near streams. It also grows in woods along other watercourses. Known sites lie about 33–6,400 feet [10–1,950 metres] above sea level.

The tree looks like a palm but has several branches. Reports give heights of about 30–66 feet [9–20 metres]. Rare tall trees reach about 98 feet [30 metres]. These figures give no separate size range for garden trees. The trunk is about 0.7–1 foot [0.2–0.3 metres] wide. The tree often grows roots above the ground. With no flowers or fruit, it can look like Dracaena fragrans. The source gives no more facts about leaves or bark. It does not describe the flowers or fruit.

People grow it for its looks in its native range. They also plant it as a hedge or living barrier. It can regrow after coppicing: cutting it back near ground level. The source lists seeds and cuttings as ways to grow it. Its forest home shows the wet, tropical setting it grows in. But the source gives no tested light or water needs for gardens. It gives no frost limits or hardiness zones. It names no pests or diseases.

People gather wild plants for use as medicine and materials. Reports say it can take the place of soap. They also note its use to keep reptiles away. The source does not name which parts serve these uses. Folk medicine uses it for stomach, kidney, and heart complaints. Uses also cover menstrual complaints and skin infections. Other reports list seizures, spasms, and paralysis. These uses do not prove that treatment is safe. The source names no uses as food. It notes that the plant can poison fish. It does not assess safety for people or pets.

The cited 2019 review of its risk in the wild lists it as Least Concern. The source says large numbers grow across a broad range. It reports no major threats now or large threats to come. This status concerns survival in the wild, not growth in gardens.