10Marvel at the Dragon’s Blood Trees
The most iconic symbol of Socotra is the Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari), which resembles a giant mushroom with a dense canopy of branches. This ancient tree, endemic to Socotra, produces a red sap known as “dragon’s blood,” which has been used for medicinal purposes and dyes for centuries. Hiking through the Diksam Plateau or the Homhil Protected Area to see these surreal trees in their natural habitat is like stepping into another world. The trees thrive in the island’s highlands and create a remarkable alien landscape that feels completely disconnected from the rest of the planet.
