‘Janet Craig’ Dracaena, ‘Warneckii’ Dracaena, Corn-Plant

(English names depend on cultivars)

Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl.

draw-SCENE-ah FRAY-grans

Explanation of name: Dracaena comes Greek for a female dragon. Fragrans means fragrant.

Synonymy: (see “Recognition”) below (and see www.ars-grin.gov, this referencing Bos, J. et al. Wild and cultivated Dracaena fragrans. Edinburgh J. Bot. 49: 318. 1992.):

Dracaena deremensis Engler

Natural range: Africa (BA1)

Recognition: A variable Dracaena complex where the taxonomic status of the different components is interpreted differently by different authorities. Although at odds with tradition by merging D. deremensis into D. fragrans as a single species, the union seems to represent the best estimate of contemporary consensus, but interpretations are divergent.

            Often referred to as a separate species, the cultivar D. fragrans ‘Massangeana’ corresponds to the popular containerized interiorscaping (and in-ground) “Corn Plant” with a thick trunk, broad, striped, smooth leaves (about 2”-4”) and yellow flowers. If interpreted as a separate species, “D. dermenesis” tends toward narrower (2”), often shorter (<1.5’(2’) vs. > 1.5’) wrinkled, wavy leaves, and reddish flowers. (Data in part from BA1.)  Pertaining to “D. deremensis” are several cultivars important in cultivation, especially in interiorscaping:

‘Janet Craig’ with deep green wavy leaves

‘Janet Craig Compacta’

‘Warneckii’ with white striping

‘Lemon Lime’ with lemon-lime striping

Landscape uses: These are primarily containerized plants for interiorscaping. They can be grown in-ground in South Florida, then faring best in protected circumstances with ample water and improved soils.

Internet source: www.dracaena.com