| Sangre de Drago | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Crotonoideae |
| Tribe: | Crotoneae |
| Genus: | Croton |
| Species: | C. lechleri |
| Binomial name | |
| Croton lechleri |
|
Croton lechleri, known as Sangre de Grado, is a plant native to north-eastern South America.[1] Its name translates as "Dragon's blood", and is derived from the appearance of the tree's sap, or latex: when the bark is cut, the thick red latex that oozes forth resembles blood.
The latex has medicinal properties, and is used by local peoples as a liquid bandage, applied to seal wounds, as it dries quickly to form a protective skin-like barrier. The latex also contains a number of chemicals, including taspine, that have wound-healing properties. Its use by native people has led to scientific interest, which has confirmed the sap's significant antioxidant activity.[2]