Dragon tree, Dracaeno drago. "Arbre de l'Isle de Fer

Natural History: Paris. Thierry. Denys. 1683. Copper engraved illustration Of the "Dragon tree" source of "Dragon's blood " on the island of El Hiero in the Canary Islands, from Mallet's "Description de l'Univers" 1st edition. Text to verso. The Dragon tree/ Dracaeno Drago, produces a red sap" dragons blood" used as a die it is found in the Canary islands on El Hiero, Tenerife and in Medeira Dark impressions. Allain Manesson Mallet 1630- 1706, French cartographer, engineer and mathematician, served in the army of Louis XIV, and also that of the King of Portugal later becoming Inspector of Fortifications to Louis. He published the "Description de l'Univers" in 1683, attempting to describe the cartography, towns, ports, people, habits and traditions of the known world. The work extended to 5 volumes with some 600 illustrations. His other works were"Les Travaux de Mars, ou L'art de la Guerre" 1684, and "La geometerie Practique" 1702. Natural History Canary Islands Dragon tree El Hiero