Dracaena ellenbeckiana

Dracaena ellenbeckiana is a species of plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family, subfamily Convallarioideae (formerly Nolinoideae^[3]).^[4] Dracaena ellenbeckiana is native to Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda, and primarily grows in the seasonally dry tropical biome.^[5]

Dracaena ellenbeckiana
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Asparagaceae
Subfamily:	Convallarioideae
Genus:	Dracaena
Species:	D. ellenbeckiana
Binomial name
Dracaena ellenbeckiana Engl. (1902)[2]

Taxonomy and morphology

Dracaena ellenbeckiana was first described by Engl. in 1902. The species is a shrub or tree, growing 2-8 meters high, with erect stems that are often several from a common base, less often solitary, and little-branched.^[6] The stems can be up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter and are longitudinally fissured.^[6] The leaves of Dracaena species are isobilateral and amphistomatic, with anomocytic and tetracytic stomata.^[4] The plants are either xeromorphic or mesomorphic^[4] and their leaves can grow up to 22–65cm long, 1–9cm wide.^[6]

Habitat and ecology

Dracaena ellenbeckiana is adapted to the seasonally dry tropical biome, which is characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons.^[5] This habitat has shaped the species' ability to tolerate drought, making it an excellent candidate for cultivation in subtropical climates and as a houseplant.^[7] The species is found in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.^[5]