Dracaena fragrans, also known as the Fragrant Dragon Tree, is a tropical plant highly valued for its aesthetic and decorative qualities. Native to the humid forests of tropical Africa, it has become a favourite in green spaces due to its ease of care and lush foliage. With its long green leaves, sometimes edged with yellow, it brings an exotic and calming touch to any environment, thriving beautifully in the botanical garden of Bois Vert.
At the heart of the botanical garden at Lodge Au Bois Vert, located in Ivato near Antananarivo, Fragrant Dragon Tree perfectly embodies the natural beauty of Madagascar. Guests of the Hotel Restaurant can admire this plant, which enhances the enchanting setting with its tropical charm. In its natural habitat, it can grow up to six metres tall, although it remains more compact when cultivated.
This perennial plant is notable for its occasional flowering, producing small, white or cream-coloured blossoms with a captivating fragrance. However, when grown indoors, it rarely flowers, instead focusing on developing dense foliage. Adaptable and resilient, it thrives both in gardens and pots, making it an ideal choice for enhancing the green spaces and interiors of Lodge Au Bois Vert.
Plant use
Dracaena fragrans, or the Fragrant Dragon Tree, is more than just an ornamental plant. It is known for its ability to purify the air by absorbing toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. Within the botanical garden of the Hôtel Restaurant Au Bois Vert, it serves as a perfect example of how nature and well-being can coexist harmoniously. Beyond its health benefits, the Fragrant Dragon Tree also has educational value. During guided tours at Lodge Au Bois Vert, visitors can learn more about its air-purifying properties and its role in tropical ecosystems. In Africa, its leaves are sometimes used in traditional medicine to soothe inflammation or boost the immune system, an aspect that fascinates plant enthusiasts. Easy to care for, Dracaena fragrans thrives in various environments as long as it receives indirect light and moderate watering. It is an ideal choice for visitors who wish to extend their experience of Ivato’s botanical garden by incorporating a piece of this unique ecosystem into their own space. With its many attributes, it contributes to enriching the biodiversity showcased in this exceptional setting in Madagascar.
Key information
| Common name | Fragrant Dragon Tree |
| Scientific name | Dracaena fragrans |
| Origin | Tropical Africa |
| Natural habitat | Tropical rainforests and shady undergrowth |
| Life cycle | Perennial plant |
| Flowering period | Spring and summer (depending on conditions) |
