Dracaena kaweesakii
Dracaena kaweesakii | |
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Dracaena kaweesakii viewed from below | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Asparagaceae |
Subfamily: | Nolinoideae |
Genus: | Dracaena |
Species: | D. kaweesakii
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Binomial name | |
Dracaena kaweesakii Wilkin & Suksathan, 2013
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Dracaena kaweesakii (Kaweesak's dragon tree; Thai: Chan nuu or Chan pha krai) is a species of
Description
Dracaena kaweesakii is a species of
Dracaena kaweesakii in known from northern, northeastern, and central Thailand. Oral reports suggest it is also found in neighboring Burma. The tree grows on limestone outcrops at altitudes of 550 to 2,000 metres (1,800 to 6,560 ft). Higher altitude specimens tend to be shorter and less branching and smaller leaves.[2] Because of its limited distribution and the harvesting of limestone for concrete production the species is thought to be endangered.[3] As of 2013, the population was estimated to be less than 2500.[2]
In May 2014, the International Institute for Species Exploration named D. kaweesakii as one of the "Top 10 New Species" named in 2013.[4]
Taxonomic history
Dracaena kaweesakii was first described in 2013 by Paul Wilkin et al. in the journal PhytoKeys. The specific name derives from the name of Kaweesak Keeratikiat, a member of the team that identified the tree as a unique species.[3]
Use by humans
Dracaena kaweesakii is commonly used in Thai
References
- ^ "Kaweesak's Dragon Tree: Mother of Dragons". Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ PMID 24194672.
- ^ a b c d e "A stunning new species of dragon tree discovered in Thailand". Science Daily. October 17, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
- ^ Lawrence LeBlond (May 22, 2014). "Rich Biodiversity Of Species Makes Annual Top Ten List Of Discoveries". Red Orbit. Retrieved May 22, 2014.