Family: Asparagaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia (commonly sold as Dracaena marginata or “money tree”) is a slender, upright tropical plant native to Madagascar. It features thin, arching leaves edged in red or purple, giving it a graceful, palm-like appearance. In warm climates it can grow into a small tree, but it is most often cultivated as an indoor or patio plant. Popular for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in low light, it is widely used in homes, offices, and shaded landscapes as an ornamental accent. Its tidy growth habit and minimal care requirements make it a favorite for container gardening.
Risks & Threats
This species is considered low risk in Hawai‘i. It is not known to spread aggressively or invade natural areas, and it typically remains where planted. While it may produce flowers and seeds under ideal outdoor conditions, natural regeneration is uncommon. As with all non-native plants, responsible planting and disposal of garden waste are encouraged to prevent unintended spread. Overall, Dracaena marginata is regarded as a safe ornamental choice for landscapes and interiors when properly managed.
High Risk Traits:
- Host for many pests and pathogens (weevils, nematodes, scale insects, spider mites, fungi, snails)
- Fruits are bird-dispersed berries
- Seeds survive bird gut passage
- Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (clay, sand, loam, acidic, slightly alkaline)
- Shade tolerant (full sun to dense shade)
- Widely cultivated by people in tropical regions
- Responds vigorously to pruning (resprouts after cutting)
Low Risk Traits:
- No evidence of naturalization beyond native range
- Not a weed (garden, agricultural, or environmental)
- No significant weedy relatives in genus
- Low seed production (berries not commonly produced)
- Slow growth rate (4+ years to maturity)
- Not toxic to humans
- Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs
- No evidence of allelopathy or parasitism
- Not dispersed by wind, water, or as a contaminant
