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The dragon blood tree is considered a symbol of the Socotra Archipelago. It can live for hundreds of years, yet this species is on the brink of permanent extinction.
Marvel at the distinctive dragon blood trees in the Socotra Archipelago, Yemen
Socotra (also known as Soqotra) is one of the 4 major islands of the Indian Ocean. The Socotra archipelago comprises the islands of Socotra, Abd al Kuri, Samhah, and Darsa, covering a total area of about 3,800km2, belonging to the Republic of Yemen (Southwest Asia).
Socotra Island boasts remarkable biodiversity. UNESCO recognized this island as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2008 due to its more than 700 unique species of flora and fauna.
Notably, the dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) produces resin with a blood-red hue. When young, these trees have a single trunk. As they mature, they branch out and develop canopies resembling umbrellas to shield from rain.
According to legend, the first dragon blood tree was born from the blood of a wounded dragon in battle with an elephant. Since then, the resin of this plant has been red like blood and named the 'dragon blood tree'.
The dragon blood tree is considered a symbol of the Socotra archipelago. Its lifespan can extend to hundreds of years, yet this species is facing the risk of permanent disappearance. Socotra is becoming increasingly arid, with erratic rainfall and less due to climate change. Scientists predict that by 2080, 45% of the ideal habitat of the dragon blood tree may be lost.
As per Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJune 25, 2021
