The island of Soqotra is rich in unique species of plants, the most famous being the dragon blood tree, which is often described as an "upturned umbrella".
This tree, Dracaena Cinnabari, is called "dam al akhawayn", or "blood of the two brothers" in Arabic. It is not clear whether this name comes from a legend or if the tree is named after the deep-red liquid that comes out of its bark when scratched. This precious resin has several uses. The Romans used it to disinfect wounds, and it is still used as a medicine, among other things to stop bleeding. It is used in cosmetics (mixed with a little water and applied to the face, it brings a blush to the skin) and for the decoration of clay pots. The dragon blood resin sells for more than $100 a kilo in the Sana'ani markets.
The dragon blood tree is uqite widespread in evergreen woodlands over the center and east of Soqotra. Some grow to over five hundred years old (although they have no rings to tell the exact age) but currently, their number is declining. Causes may be the numerous goats which devour seedlings, but climate change and drought are also said to affect the species. Growing some of the seedlings in a nursery situation is now being encouraged, and thousands of seedlings are produced annually in an attempt to rejuvenate woodland.
The dragon blood resin can be ordered through http://al-nakhla-export.weebly.com
This tree, Dracaena Cinnabari, is called "dam al akhawayn", or "blood of the two brothers" in Arabic. It is not clear whether this name comes from a legend or if the tree is named after the deep-red liquid that comes out of its bark when scratched. This precious resin has several uses. The Romans used it to disinfect wounds, and it is still used as a medicine, among other things to stop bleeding. It is used in cosmetics (mixed with a little water and applied to the face, it brings a blush to the skin) and for the decoration of clay pots. The dragon blood resin sells for more than $100 a kilo in the Sana'ani markets.
The dragon blood tree is uqite widespread in evergreen woodlands over the center and east of Soqotra. Some grow to over five hundred years old (although they have no rings to tell the exact age) but currently, their number is declining. Causes may be the numerous goats which devour seedlings, but climate change and drought are also said to affect the species. Growing some of the seedlings in a nursery situation is now being encouraged, and thousands of seedlings are produced annually in an attempt to rejuvenate woodland.
The dragon blood resin can be ordered through http://al-nakhla-export.weebly.com
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