Dracaena is a genus of about 120 species of trees and succulent shrubs. The formerly accepted genera Pleomele and Sansevieria are now included in Dracaena. It is placed in the family Asparagaceae. The name dracaena is derived from the romanized form of the Ancient Greek drakaina, “female dragon”. Most of the species are native to Africa, southern Asia through to northern Australia, with two species in tropical Central America. Dracaena species can be classified in two growth types: treelike dracaenas (Dracaena fragrans, Dracaena draco, Dracaena cinnabari), which have aboveground stems that branch from nodes after flowering, or if the growth tip is severed, and rhizomatous dracaenas (Dracaena trifasciata, Dracaena angolensis), which have underground rhizomes and leaves on the surface. Many species of Dracaena are kept as houseplants due to tolerance of lower light and sparse watering.

Dracaena mannii, synonymously known as Dracaena nitens, Dracaena perrottetii var. minor, Dracaena perrottetii var. perrottetii, Dracaena reflexa, Dracaena reflexa var. nitens, Dracaena thomsoniana or Dracaena usambarensis and commonly known as Kleinblaar-drakeboom in Afrikaans and Kosi Dragon Tree or Small-leaved Dragon Tree in Afrikaans is a South African indigenous species found in the KwaZulu-Natal province. This species has a limited distribution in South Africa, occurring only around Mtunzini and Kosi Bay on the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast. It extends northwards through Mozambique to tropical Africa. Dracaena mannii is a small to medium-sized tree, though recorded up to 30 m tall with stem to 2 m in diameter in Cameroon and Gabon. It occurs from Senegal to Angola along the African west coast, is widespread in tropical Africa and is found along the African east coast from Kenya to Kosi Bay in northern KwaZulu-Natal. It prefers lowland, submontane and montane forests which are either moist and evergreen, swampy or on coastal dunes. It is also found along forest edges, in clearings and on riverbanks from sea level to 1,800 meters. This species is evergreen, single-stemmed or much branched from near the ground, sometimes stilt-rooted. Medicinally, substances have been isolated from this species that inhibit fungal growth and the development of bacteria. It is also used against nausea and vomiting, parasitic infections, both cutaneous and subcutaneous, swelling, oedema and gout, mouth sores, worms, lung ailments. Extracts of leaves containing glycosides, saponins and steroids are used against pain, and bark extracts as an arrow-poison, while leaf-ash is used in the making of soap. Pulverised roots are soaked in cold water and the infusion is used against stomach-ache, gonorrhoea and chest pains. Young leaves and sprouts are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, or with rice and beans. Ripe fruits are used as a fish poison.