Dragon Blood Trees

Dragon Blood trees are perhaps the most famous of the unique flora and fauna on Socotra island off the coast of Yemen. Bottle trees come in a close second, and are actually my favorite trees. The Dragon Blood tree, Dracaena cinnabari, got its name because of its red sap which is also purported to have healing and cosmetic properties.

Dragon Blood Tree And Funnel Tops

Dragon Blood trees are shaped like a reverse funnel with densely packed foliage that provides good shade in the hot arid climate, something important for the young Dragon Blood seedlings. The Dragon Blood sap has been used for everything from violin varnish to dyes to medicine for a variety of ills from mouth sores to intestinal ailments.

Trees, Canyons And The Homhil Protected Area

These trees are all that much more spectacular when seen on the edge of the canyon in the Homhil Protected Area of Socotra. The gorge and cliffs remind me of Yosemite in there breathtaking grandeur.