The captivating Dragon Blood Tree, also known Socotran dragon tree (Draceana cinnabari) is a rare and unusual tree species.
This unique tree is native to the Socotra archipelago, part of Yemen. The tree gets its name from the dark red sap it produces within its umbrella-shaped branches. The red resin, which oozes from cracks in the bark, bares eery resemblance to dragon blood.
The trees that “bleed” red resin
Socotrans inhabitants identify the trees as Damm Al-Akhwayn, which in Arabic translates to “the blood of two brothers.”
Farmers carve and intentionally “bleed” the crimson-colored sap to sell it as a medicinal balm and lipstick, and paint. Dragon Blood tree resin also serves as a dye for varnishing violins.
In the 18th century, people actively used the resin as toothpaste, and during ancient times, they believed it possessed magical properties.
Scottish botanist Isaac Bayley first documented the otherworldly Dragon Blood Trees in 1882, unveiling their extraordinary existence to the world.
Socotra’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean made it a bustling port and vital trading base for the British during the 1800s.
Trees found in Socotra are nowhere else on the planet
The 30-foot Dragon blood trees, remote to the Haghir Mountains of Socotra, play a part in one-third of Socotra’s 825 plant species endemic to the island. Dragon blood trees can live up to 600 years.
The island’s animal life is equally diverse.
90 percent of the island’s reptiles and 95 percent of its snail species are unique to this region, with no presence elsewhere on Earth. Sustained international conservation efforts have also helped preserve the land’s rich biodiversity.
The majority of the 50,000 inhabitants of Socotra are indigenous Soqotri people, predominantly hailing from the Al-Mahrah community.
Historically, the island’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean made it a bustling port and vital trading base for the British during the 1800s.
Scottish botanist Isaac Bayley first documented the otherworldly Dragon Blood Trees in 1882, unveiling their extraordinary existence to the world.
