Dragon Tree, is a slow growing, very long-lived succulent tree, eventually reaching 15m in height with a trunk of 5m or more in circumference. The bark is very smooth and becomes more rough as it ages. The leaves are long and tough, resembling yucca, but with a rounded tip rather than a sharp point. They are shed from the trunk when they die, leaving attractive scars on the stem.

At about 10–15 years of age, the stem stops growing and produces a flower spike with white, lily-like, fragrant flowers, followed by orange berry-like seeds in clusters on a long stem, making an attractive display. Soon a crown of terminal buds appears, and the plant begins to branch out. Each branch will grow for about 10–15 years and branch out again. A mature plant has an umbrella-like habit. It grows slowly, taking about 10 years to reach a height of 1.2 metres.

Good for coastal landscapes as it tolerates wind, salt spray and salty soils. It will grow in poor, stony soil, but will grow faster in more fertile soil. The best time to plant a Dragon Tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.

It is a subtropical tree, native to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, western Morocco and possibly introduced to the Azores. Established trees can withstand frost, but young trees can be damaged at the point of growth. As a result, they often sprout several new branches from the damaged tip in the spring. The largest trees are often those grown in yards or sheltered by walls or buildings.