The dragon tree is extremely slow growing, taking 8-11 years to reach just 2–3 feet, when it begins to flower. Flowering occurs almost simultaneously on the Canary Islands, taking place only every 15 years.

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The flowering causes the stem to branch, resulting in a highly branched tree which can be aged according to the number of branches. The oldest individual is thought to be more than 650 years old.

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The sap of this species is used as colouring matter for varnishes, tooth-pastes, tinctures and plasters.
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