Dracaena steudneri
Engl.
Northern large-leaved dragon-tree
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Summary
Source: WikipediaDracaena steudneri, the northern large-leaved dragon-tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, found from Ethiopia to southern tropical Africa. It is being investigated for its high-quality fiber content. It is fed upon by larvae of the bush nightfighter, Artitropa erinnys. In the past the name Dracaena steudneri was erroneously assigned to the well-known ornamental and house plant Dracaena fragrans, called the cornstalk dracaena, striped dracaena, compact dracaena, and corn plant, leading to much confusion.
Description
A tree. It grows up to 15-18 m high. It has a few stout branches. The leaves are crowded near the ends of branches. They are in rings. The inner leaves are erect and the outer leaves droop. They are 1 m long.
Edible Uses
The leaves are used for baking bread.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are used for baking bread.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in open forest as an early re-growth species. In Malawi it grows between about 1,000 and 2,000 m altitude.
Where It Grows
Africa, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Notes
Possibly edible. Also put in the family Dracaenaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Etse phatos, Igihoondohoondo
References (4)
- Fowler, D. G., 2007, Zambian Plants: Their Vernacular Names and Uses. Kew. p 86
- Molla, A., Ethiopian Plant Names. http://www.ethiopic.com/aplants.htm
- Plowes, N. J. & Taylor, F. W., 1997, The Processing of Indigenous Fruits and other Wildfoods of Southern Africa. in Smartt, L. & Haq. (Eds) Domestication, Production and Utilization of New Crops. ICUC p 190
- White, F., Dowsett-Lemaire, F. and Chapman, J. D., 2001, Evergreen Forest Flora of Malawi. Kew. p 101
