Nubian Dragon Tree

The Nubian Dragon Tree (Dracaena ombet) is a critically endangered species of dragon trees. It is found on the highest slopes of Gebel Elba National Park in Egypt, with some scattered populations in Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and Saudi Arabia.

It's one of the few species that can survive the extensive periods of drought in all parts of its range and is likely to therefore be an important part of the desert ecosystem.

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, ombet, is the vernacular name of the species in the Bedani language of the Sudan. 

The Nubian Dragon Tree is an evergreen tree with a thick, forked bole, growing up to nine meters tall. The tree is harvested from the wild for its edible fruit, which is used locally. It is also the source of a reddish resin that is used in traditional medicine.

A recent survey found that the Gebel Elba population is severely threatened by drought. Eight sites were surveyed during 2007–2009. Of 353 trees recorded only 161 individuals were alive and just 96 individuals were in more or less healthy condition. Two young trees were found, indicating a low regeneration level. These observations suggest that the Nubian Dragon Tree in Gebel Elba may soon be extinct.

While the survey claimed that continued drought is largely responsible for the decline of the Nubian Dragon Tree, the researchers conveniently forgot to mention overcutting (for firewood) and overgrazing (for fodder for camels) as potentially the greatest threats to these once widespread and abundantly growing trees.