Dracaena tamaranae
Dracaena tamaranae, or drago de Gran Canaria, is a species of endemic plants of the island of Gran Canaria, related to the dragon tree, "Dracaena draco", and other species of "Dracaena" from East Africa. Since 1972, specimens of dragon tree have been identified in Gran Canaria with certain peculiarities. These were initially identified as specimens of "Dracaena draco". However, a more detailed study and its cultivation allowed us to recognize that it was a different species. It was first described in 1998 by F. Marrero, A. Almeida, RS & Gonzalez-Martín. Description. This dragon tree has rigid, ribbed leaves  that are pointed towards the tip and of a more bluish and grayish color than those of "D. draco". Its bearing is less dense and branched, reaching more than 8 meters in height. The bark is grayish-yellow and somewhat shiny. The whitish-green inflorescences are arranged in a branched inflorescence up to 80–100 cm long. The seeds are globose and slightly compressed, about 6–7 mm in diameter. It shows similarities with species from East Africa, such as "Dracaena ombet" and "Dracaena schizantha", and from Arabia, such as "Dracaena serrulata". It is believed that the species could have reached the  Canary Islands during the Miocene period. Distribution and habitat. The dragon trees found are in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, in a more xeric zone than usual for "Dracaena draco". The dragon tree of Gran Canaria has been described as typical of the thermo-sclerophilic plant communities of the tropical-subtropical region. They are really xerophilous, inhabiting areas with rainfall of between 200 and 500 mm per year. The specimens found are located in the geologically oldest areas of the island, on generally inaccessible cliffs. These areas are home to remains of their original ecosystems: juniper and  jarales. They coexist with species such as junipers, jaguars, wild olive trees, pines, etc. It is in danger of extinction, is listed in the National Catalog of Threatened Species and needs a recovery plan. Culture. Due to the scarcity of specimens, its cultivation outside the scientific field is not yet possible. It is recommended, however, not to introduce specimens of "D. draco" in the area likely to host or be reforested with this species. Taxonomy. Dracaena tamaranae was described by Marrero Rodr. , RSAlmeida & Gonz.-Mart. and published in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 128: 294. 1998. Etymology. Ver: "Dracaena  tamaranae : related to Tamarán, an aboriginal name attributed to Gran Canaria.