Kaweesak's Dragon Tree

Kaweesak's dragon tree (Dracaena kaweesakii) is only found growing atop the limestone mountains in the Loei and the Lop Buri Provinces of Thailand, where it is known as Chan nuu or Chan pha krai. However, oral reports suggest it can also be found in neighboring Burma.

Kaweesak's dragon tree is a species of dragon tree characterized by an extensive branching system; a fully grown specimen has several hundred branches. It has sword shaped leaves with white edges that grow in large clusters (20 to 50 leaves) and these can be up to 60 centimeters long. It has cream-colored flowers that have and slight green or yellow tint and bright orange filaments. Kaweesak's dragon tree produces brown fruit that turn orange when ripe. Seeds are 6 to 7 centimeters in diameter.

Kaweesak's dragon tree can grow to be 12 meters tall with a crown diameter of 12 meters. The tree's trunk may reach one meter in diameter.

The first part of its scientific name, Dracaena, is a feminine form of the Greek word drakon and therefore means 'female dragon'. The second part, kaweesakii, derives from the name of Dr. Kaweesak Keeratikiat, a member of the team that identified the tree as a unique species.
As said above, Kaweesak's dragon tree is known from northern, northeastern and central Thailand. The tree grows on limestone outcrops at altitudes of 550 to 2,000 meters. Higher altitude specimens tend to be shorter and less branching and smaller leaves. Because of its limited distribution and the harvesting of limestone for concrete production the species is thought to be endangered. As of 2013, the population was estimated to be less than 2500 specimens.

In Thailand it is thought that the tree will bring good luck to those who have Kaweesak's dragon tree in their gardens. A number of specimens are also found on the grounds of Buddhist temples.