"SOCOTRA THE ISLAND OF BLISS" WITH ALIEN-LOOKING PLANTS.

The name Socotra is derived from a Sanskrit name, meaning “The Island of Bliss”. Is it the beaches? The isolation and quiet? Or the strange and crazy botanical allure? Were its alien- looking plants H.P. Lovecraft’s secret inspiration? Was the famous Cthulhu myths creator aware of these forbidding mountains with their hauntingly weird flora (think of plant mutations from his “The Colour Out of Space”)? We’re almost tempted to call Socotra the other “Mountains of Madness” – the trees and plants of this island were preserved through the long geological isolation, some varieties being 20 million years old… We begin with the dracaena cinnibaris or Dragon’s Blood Tree, the source of valuable resin for varnishes, dyes, and “cure-all” medicine; also (predictably) used in medieval ritual magic and alchemy.
The long geological isolation of the Socotra archipelago and its fierce heat and drought has combined to create a unique and spectacular endemic flora (which may therefore be vulnerable to introduced species such as goats and to climate change).

THE FLORA OF THE ARCHIPELAGO OF SOCOTRA

The flora of the archipelago of Socotra has been described so far although remaining incomplete, but the vegetation and ecology are mostly unknown. The altitudinal zonation of the vegetation is described here depending on specific species composition, and different ecological features are proven. The Socotra lowlands comprise arid alluvial plains, rocky slopes, and semi-arid inland hills and valleys until 400 to 500 m a.s.l. The humid cloud zone can be described by the potential occurrence of the dragon tree (Dracaena cinnabari) from 400 to 1200 m a.s.l. The peaks of the Hagher (Hajhir, Ha Geher) Mountains which exceed 1200 m a.s.l. bear herbs and low-growing shrubs. Socotra archipelago hosts more than 842 plant species, of which about 309 species (37%) are endemic to Socotra. In addition, 15 plant genera are endemic to Socotra
The flora and the vegetation of the archipelago are naturally preserved and the indigenous population depends on an equilibrium with the natural resources. Thus, the ecology of Socotra is still unique in both a regional and a global perspective.
Dragon’s blood is a natural plant resin. It’s dark red in color, which is part of what gives Dragon’s Blood its name. Some of its uses are for health. It’s also been used as dye, paint, incense, or for spiritual purposes. It has strong, somewhat sweet fragrance not unlike vanilla and spices. Common uses of Dragon’s Blood have changed over time. Today, its most common use is for digestive health.

THE FLORA OF THE ARCHIPELAGO OF SOCOTRA (PART 2)

The plant resin was formerly ascribed cure-all properties, though this is not the case anymore. It was once thought to speed wound healing, and some healers used it for respiratory issues. Dragon’s Blood was also employed for different gastrointestinal conditions. It’s claimed benefits for the digestive system are still held to this day, along with many other touted benefits. It’s also still found in some natural dyes, paints, varnishes, and incense.
The use of Dragon’s Blood is renowned among various medical traditions around the world. It is known to confer Its array of phytochemical action in preclinical studies include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antifungal, and antineoplastic properties antimicrobial, and wound healing benefits, among others. What is dragons blood medicine? Dragon’s blood is a red substance called a resin that comes from the fruit of the Daemonorops draco tree.

THE FLORA OF THE ARCHIPELAGO OF SOCOTRA (PART 3)

People use dragon’s blood for wound healing, digestion problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. As a traditional Chinese medicine, dragon’s blood (DB) is widely used in treating various pains for thousands of years due to its potent anti- inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Dragon’s Blood is a liquid produced by infusion from the bark of a shrub that has the property of healing. It can be used by ingesting it for internal wounds such as ulcers or simply used on the skin. Dragon’s Blood incense is also occasionally sold as “red rock opium” to unsuspecting would-be drug buyers. It actually contains no opiates, and has only slight psychoactive effects, if any at all. Thaspine from the Dragon’s Blood of the species Croton lechery has possible use as a cancer drug.