Targuá
Croton draco
Native Region
Mexico to South America
Max Height
15-25 meters (50-82 feet)
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1800m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Cartago
- San José
- Puntarenas
Season
Flowering
Apr-Jul
Fruiting
Jul-Oct
Targuá (Dragon's Blood Tree)
The Targuá (Croton draco) is famous for its bright red sap that flows like blood when the bark is cut. This dramatic "dragon's blood" has been used in traditional medicine throughout Central America for centuries, valued for wound healing and various medicinal properties. As a pioneer species, Targuá plays a vital role in forest regeneration.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Croton draco
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Max Height
- 15-25 m (50-82 ft)
- Trunk Diameter
- Up to 50 cm
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Key Feature
- Red 'blood' sap
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
1800
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist community science database. View all observations →↗
Taxonomy and Classification
- Croton: Greek for "tick" (seed shape resembles a tick) - draco: Latin for "dragon" (red sap like dragon's blood) - Targuá: Indigenous name used in Costa Rica - Multiple "dragon's blood" trees exist worldwide in different families
Common Names
| Language/Region | Common Name(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Dragon's Blood Tree | From red sap color |
| Spanish (Costa Rica) | Targuá, Sangre de Drago | Indigenous / Dragon's blood |
| Spanish (Mexico) | Sangregado | Blood-giver |
| Spanish (Guatemala) | Palo de Sangre | Blood tree |
| Scientific Alternative | Croton lechleri (related) | Similar species in S. America |
Physical Description
Overall Form
The Targuá is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree with a straight trunk and open, spreading crown. Its large, heart-shaped leaves have a distinctive velvety texture. The tree often grows in dense stands in disturbed areas, creating early successional forest communities.
Distinctive Features
Leaves
- Type: Simple, alternate
- Shape: Heart-shaped (cordate)
- Size: 15-30 cm long
- Texture: Soft, velvety (pubescent)
- Color: Dark green above, lighter below
- Edge: Finely serrated
Bark
- Color: Gray-brown
- Texture: Smooth when young
- Sap: Bright red latex
- Feature: Sap flows freely when cut
Flowers
- Type: Monoecious (separate male/female)
- Arrangement: Long terminal racemes
- Male flowers: Small, numerous
- Female flowers: Larger, fewer
- Color: Greenish-white
- Timing: Rainy season primarily
Fruits
- Type: Three-lobed capsule
- Size: 6-8 mm diameter
- Color: Brown when mature
- Seeds: Three per capsule
- Dispersal: Explosive dehiscence
The Famous Red Sap
Dragon's Blood Chemistry
The red sap of Targuá contains a complex mixture of compounds including proanthocyanidins, diterpenes, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have confirmed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, validating centuries of traditional use.
Active Compounds
- Taspine: Wound healing alkaloid
- Proanthocyanidins: Antioxidants
- Lignans: Anti-inflammatory
- Diterpenes: Antimicrobial
- Catechins: Various properties
Traditional Uses
- Wound healing (direct application)
- Mouth sores and gum disease
- Stomach ulcers (internal)
- Skin infections
- Post-childbirth healing
- Insect bites
How to Collect Sap
Traditional harvesting method:
- Make a shallow cut in the bark (not too deep)
- Red sap flows immediately
- Collect in clean container
- Allow tree to heal between harvests
- Sustainable harvesting doesn't harm the tree
The sap coagulates quickly when exposed to air, forming a protective "scab" similar to how blood clots, adding to its wound-healing reputation.
Ecological Importance
Pioneer Species Role
Targuá is one of the most important pioneer species in Costa Rican forest recovery. It rapidly colonizes disturbed areas, providing shade and soil improvement that allows shade-tolerant species to establish underneath.
Succession Services
- First to colonize clearings
- Creates shade for other species
- Adds organic matter to soil
- Attracts seed-dispersing birds
- Short lifespan allows replacement
Wildlife Value
- Seeds eaten by birds
- Flowers attract insects
- Leaves host caterpillars
- Structure for nesting
- Corridor species in landscapes
Distribution in Costa Rica
Targuá is found throughout Costa Rica's wet and moist forests, from lowlands to mid-elevations. It's especially common along roadsides, forest edges, and in recovering agricultural land.
Key Observation Sites
| Location | Province | Habitat | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braulio Carrillo NP edges | Heredia | Forest margins | Highway 32 |
| La Selva Biological Station | Heredia | Secondary forest | Research station |
| Tapantí National Park | Cartago | Cloud forest edges | Park trails |
| Caribbean lowlands | Limón | Disturbed areas | Rural roads |
| Central Valley edges | Various | Agricultural margins | Common |
Traditional Medicine
Historical and Current Uses
External Applications
- Direct wound treatment
- Skin infection remedy
- Insect bite relief
- Hemorrhoid treatment
- Varicose vein support
- Eczema and rashes
Internal Uses
- Stomach ulcer treatment
- Diarrhea remedy
- Mouth ulcer rinse
- Sore throat gargle
- General tonic
While traditional uses are well-documented, consult healthcare professionals before medicinal use. The sap can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Growing Information
Cultivation Requirements
| Factor | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Tropical wet to moist | High humidity preferred |
| Temperature | 20-30°C (68-86°F) | Frost sensitive |
| Rainfall | 2000-4000mm annually | Year-round moisture |
| Soil | Various, well-drained | Tolerates poor soils |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | Pioneer habit—loves light |
| Propagation | Seeds (primary) | High germination rate |
Reforestation Use
Targuá is excellent for restoration projects:
- Fast establishment (pioneer)
- Creates conditions for other species
- Low maintenance once established
- Provides early ecosystem services
- Seeds readily available
Similar Species
| Species | Scientific Name | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Croton lechleri | Croton lechleri | South American, similar sap uses |
| Other Croton species | Croton spp. | Different leaf shapes, less sap |
| Sangre de Drago (Canary) | Dracaena draco | Different family entirely |
| Guarumo | Cecropia spp. | Similar habitat, different leaf structure |
Interesting Facts
References and Resources
| Resource | Type | Link |
|---|---|---|
| iNaturalist | Observations | https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/281762-Croton-draco |
| GBIF | Distribution Data | https://www.gbif.org/species/3069442 |
| Tropicos | Botanical Database | https://www.tropicos.org/name/12800135 |
