On our planet, countless mysteries remain unexplained to this day. Among them, the most famous is the extraordinary dragon blood tree, native to the island of Socotra.
The “Alien Planet” Island
Socotra Island is part of an archipelago off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia. It is often likened to an alien planet due to its unique and fascinating vegetation, unlike any other place. Referred to as a “lost world,” many people around the globe remain unaware of its existence and the wonders it holds.
Socotra belongs to the Republic of Yemen and is located in the Indian Ocean. The island’s residents have their own distinct culture and language. UNESCO has designated the area as an MAB (Man and Biosphere) Reserve.
Most visitors to Socotra are scientists and eco-tourists. The island is highly valued in scientific circles as one of the few places with exceptional biodiversity, hosting unique flora and fauna: 90% of its reptiles and 95% of its terrestrial mollusks cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Socotra’s prolonged geological isolation and harsh climate have given rise to a spectacular and unique flora. According to research by the Middle East Plant Research Center, 307,825 plant species (37%) on the island are endemic, including 27 species listed in the Red Book of endangered species.
The island astonishes visitors with over 800 plant and animal species that are found nowhere else on Earth. Among its most remarkable plants is the dragon blood tree.
The Peculiar Dragon Blood Tree
The dragon blood tree (Dracaena draco) has a striking appearance, resembling an umbrella. Its formation and growth process are equally unique. When young, the tree features a solitary trunk.
After 10 to 15 years, the trunk stops growing, and fragrant white flowers resembling lilies bloom. As the flowers fade, small berries appear, followed by new shoots, which lead to the tree’s first branches.
Each branch grows for about 10 to 15 years before producing secondary branches. This cycle continues, with secondary branches forming tertiary ones. The tree takes nearly 10 years to reach a height of about 120 cm but grows faster afterward.
The most distinctive feature of this tree is its resin, which is red like blood, with a sour and slightly pungent aroma. This characteristic earned it the name “dragon blood tree.” According to legend, the first dragon blood tree emerged from the blood of a wounded dragon in battle with an elephant. Since then, the tree’s sap has retained its blood-red color.
The tree’s resin is not only visually striking but also highly beneficial. Since ancient Roman times, dragon blood resin has been celebrated and widely used in daily life.
According to the Global Trees Campaign, Socotra’s residents use the tree’s fruit to feed cattle and goats, albeit sparingly. The resin is used in traditional medicine to heal wounds, improve health, as a dye, in cosmetics, and even to create the varnish for famous Stradivarius violins.
The dragon blood tree is a proud symbol of Socotra Island. While its lifespan can reach hundreds of years, the species is at risk of extinction due to various threats. Scientists predict that by 2080, 45% of its ideal habitat could disappear.
The Challenge of Conserving a Rare Species
In 2004, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classified the dragon blood tree population as “vulnerable.” Today, the situation has reached alarming levels.
Climate change is a significant factor, as the dragon blood tree thrives with sufficient water, but Socotra’s climate is becoming drier.
Additionally, resin harvesting, using the trees for firewood, and the increasing number of tourists have affected the dragon blood tree’s growth. Local residents face challenging living conditions, making the conservation of this valuable species even more difficult.
A pressing concern is that most dragon blood trees on Socotra are mature, and natural regeneration is minimal. Researchers are working to address this by planting saplings in protected areas and studying the island’s ecosystem to propose effective conservation methods.
With continued conservation efforts, the unique flora and fauna of Socotra, along with its distinctive human culture, may thrive as hoped. The island’s plants and animals are a significant contribution to global biodiversity.
