Dragon tree and Dragon's Blood tree appear to be two distinct species, somewhat similar in appearance when mature and both extremely slow growing. D. cinnabari is a much more rare plant, at least in cultivation, and is endangered in its native habitat. There are supposedly some examples growing in SoCal and discussions of growing it from seed (apparently not too tricky) appear on a few xeric/tropical plant boards although there seems to be considerable debate as to exactly which species is being grown, D. draco being much more common, the common names being easily confused and the confirmed ID's of the parent plant(s) still uncertain. Apparently there is one at the UCLA Botanic Garden and I'd think the Huntington Botanic Garden would be a likely location as well. The umbrella-like appearance IS pretty cool but is a product of considerable time and I seriously doubt you would be able to create a similar effect in a bonsai'd form unless you had many (and we're talking decades) of years to devote to it. Even the much more readily obtainable D. draco looks pretty much like your standard variety houseplant dracaena, with a single, thinish trunk and a topknot of spikey foliage for a looong time.

I don't have this plant either but can see why you want it now. By that photo that Rosemarie tracked down (btw, thanks for that. Helped tremendously!!!) I can also put it on my wish list. Love the colors and form. Best of luck tracking it down. Found this picture on flickr. Not sure if it's what you are talking about.

Hi I just posted the information for another person that is looking at growing dragon fruit. So I am going to post again for your information. There are several reliable on line sites that you can order dragon fruits and search for tropical fruit vendors as well: - http://www.localharvest.org - http://www.tropicalfruitgrowers.com Local harvest is an organization that promotes local farmers in Florida that sells tropical fruits on line. They are reliable and trustworthy. Tropicalfruitgrowers.com lists all of the appropriate tropical fruit growers that can ship various tropical fruits to you. Unfortunately, dragon fruit is not in season right now so you will need to check the sites periodically. In terms of the sites such as buyexoticfruits.com; fruitsofthemonthclub.com; organicfruitofthemonthclub.com, 24hoursbuy.com are all scams - they are owned by the same person, please do not buy from them - I made a mistake in terms of ordering from them and my money was taken and they never ship the product nor responded to my numerous inquiries.

Thanks. The description and pictures in the link seem right on. I have never seen hundreds but I recall seeing eight to ten in the summertime around the sunflowers.