1Socotra Island, Yemen: The Alien Landscape
Socotra Island, located off the coast of Yemen, is home to one of the most bizarre and unique ecosystems on Earth. Nearly a third of the plant species found on Socotra are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else in the world. The most iconic of these is the Dragon’s Blood Tree, which has an umbrella-like shape and produces a red sap.
The island’s alien-looking trees, strange rock formations, and pristine beaches make Socotra feel like another planet. Its isolated location has allowed nature to evolve in strange and fascinating ways, resulting in a surreal landscape that feels far removed from the rest of the world.