The Flora

Socotra Island is home to one of the world’s richest plant ecosystems, boasting over 800 plant species, about a third of which are classified as unique and found nowhere else on Earth. This astonishing diversity has earned the island the global nickname “Nature’s Jewel.”

The most famous Socotra plants are:

Dragon’s Blood Tree: The island’s symbol, with its distinctive umbrella-shaped trunk and red sap that was historically used in medicine and dyeing.
Socotra Frankincense Tree: One of the rarest frankincense varieties in the world.
Socotra Aloe: Known for its ability to adapt to the arid climate, giving the island a unique flora.

Socotra boasts a fascinating mix of desert, mountain, and coastal plants, giving the island an exceptional ecological diversity that attracts scientists and researchers from around the world.