Heatwave causes dragon tree to flower for first time Dragon trees (Dracaena draco) are slow-growing evergreen trees which can live for over 600 years in the wild. They are most commonly associated with the Canary Islands - Tenerife uses the tree as a symbol - but can also be found in Madeira, Portugal, Morocco and a handful of other locations across the globe. The name of the tree has mythical origins: the Greek hero Heracles, for his 11th labour, was challenged to bring back three golden apples from a garden guarded by a fierce dragon. Heracles killed the dragon, and the trees supposedly sprang from its spilt blood. The tree's resin, a bright red sap, is known as "dragon's blood" and has been used historically as a medicine and dye - including as a varnish for Stradivarius violins. The unpredictable weather has caused unusual behaviour in a number of plants this year. Earlier this week, it was reported that the cold, late spring followed by high temperatures had resulted in spectacular displays of rare orchids across the country.