The Socotra dragon tree is an iconic tree with a long history of commercial use. It is known only from the island of Socotra, Yemen, where it lives within remnants of prehistoric ‘Dragonsblood’ forest on granite mountains and limestone plateaus.
This evergreen species is named for its dark red resin, known as “dragon’s blood”, a substance which has been highly prized since ancient times. The dragon’s blood tree has been the major commercial source of this resin, and many myths surround the unusual trees.
