Firmihin Dragon's Blood Tree Forest, Ancient tree forest in Socotra Island, Yemen
Firmihin Dragon's Blood Tree Forest is a natural area with thousands of umbrella-shaped trees spread across about 540 hectares of mountainous terrain on Socotra Island. The trees grow in scattered groves at different elevations, creating a visually distinctive landscape interspersed with other plant species.
These trees were first scientifically recorded when a European naturalist visited the island in 1835 during an expedition and documented their distinctive features. That early documentation sparked international interest in this unusual plant community.
Local people have long used the red resin from these trees for medicine, dyes, and ritual ceremonies that are woven into their daily lives. This deep connection shapes how the community relates to the forest and defines part of island identity.
Visiting requires obtaining special permits in advance and careful planning before traveling. The best months to visit are between October and April when weather conditions are most favorable and paths remain walkable.
The trees produce a bright red resin that seeps from the bark and darkens when exposed to air, creating a striking visual marker on each trunk. This observable feature helps visitors understand what makes these particular trees so exceptional.
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