Dragon's Blood

Dragon's Blood is a name which has come down to us from ancient pharmacy in somewhat vague application to a number of resinous substances broadly agreeing in their deep-red or reddish-brown colour and astringent properties, but of very various origin. Dracæna draco, the Dragon-tree (q.v.) of the Canary Islands, yields on incision or even exudation from the stem or leaves, a variety which was formerly of commercial importance, and which is found in the prehistoric Guanche graves, apparently as an accessory of the embalming process. A more important variety is that obtained from the fruits of Calamus draco, an East Indian palm. The Red Sandalwood (Ptrocarpus santalinus, a papilionaceous tree) is another East Indian source, while its West Indian congener, P. draco, is of considerable importance. The allied Dalbergia monetaria of Guiana, and the Mexican Croton draco, must also be mentioned. In Australia the resin of Eucalyptus resinifera has also acquired the same name. On account of its colour and astringent properties, dragon's blood has long been used in the preparation of dentifrices; also in alcoholic solution for staining marble, leather, wood, &c., and in oils and turpentine in the preparation of varnishes.