The island of Socotra is perhaps best known for its unique botany, with over a third of the plant species endemic to the archepelago.  Perhaps most famous among all of these is the dragonblood tree (Dracaena cinnabari).  When scarred each tree runs red sap that is used as a cosmetic coloring, for paints, and for medicine.

However, this is truly a land of fabled wonder, and other trees include the bottle tree (Dorstenia gigas), the World’s only form of cucumber that is a tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus), frankincense trees, multiple endemic types of aloe, and many others plants.  It seems to be the land that Dr. Seuss used as inspiration for many of his classic tales.

Dragon trees at Dixam plateau, Socotra Island, Yemen
Bottle tree – adenium obesum – endemic tree of Socotra Island
Bottle tree – adenium obesum – endemic tree of Socotra Island
Cucumber tree, Dendrosicyos socotranus – endemic of Socotra Island
Frankincense (or Boswellia) tree – one of the famous endemics of Socotra island.
Frankincense Trees, Boswellia sacra, olibanum tree, Homhil Plateau, Socotra Island, Yemen