Dragon’s blood trees are a succulent plant from which the so-called “dragon’s blood” is extracted. It is a red resin used in ancient times both in medicine and as incense or dye. Daniel Ingemi Meteored Italia 08/09/2024 06:09 4 min
Los dragon blood trees They are a succulent plant from which the so-called “dragon’s blood” is extracted. It is a red resin used in ancient times both in medicine and for the manufacture of incense or dye.
With their distinctive upturned umbrella-shaped foliage, dragon’s blood trees They are adapted to survive even in hostile territories and grow in tropical, desert and steppe climates. They are widespread in Yemen and in particular in the Socotra Archipelagoa group of islands in the Indian Ocean, not far from the coast of Somalia.
The Socotra Islands
In the past, the islands were almost unreachable due to strong monsoon winds and the lack of sheltered landing sites. The fascinating stories of the few travellers who managed to reach them spoke of a land rich in magic and sorcerers, capable even of making the islands invisible.
Today, following the reunification of Yemen, some ships have begun to dock and a runway for planes has been built (although only a few will land). The island’s economy is based on subsistence agriculture and livestock farming.The island is famous for the cultivation of tobacco, dates and fish captured on seabeds that are not yet polluted.
According to legend, dragon’s blood trees were born from the blood that fell to the ground during a bloody battle between a dragon and an elephant. This is why they would have this characteristic dark red resin, which on the island is used as a fundamental ingredient in traditional magical and alchemical rites.
The majority of the inhabitants of the islands are indigenous Soqotri people, belonging to the Al-Mahrah tribe. Since 2008, the archipelago has been included among the sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Sitedue to its high biodiversity: 37% of the 825 plant species are unique in the world.
What is dragon’s blood?
According to legend, the dragon blood trees were born from the blood that fell to the ground during A bloody battle between a dragon and an elephant. This is why they would have this characteristic dark red resinwhich on the island is used as a fundamental ingredient in traditional magical and alchemical rites.
The natives also use this sap as a stimulant, astringent or abortive. Dissolved in water, it becomes an excellent toothpaste and is used to treat rheumatism.
Women apply it to their lips like lipstick. In addition to these functions, this resin is also an excellent glue for local pottery.
Even today this substance is used on the island for promote wound healing and stop bleedingwhile internally it is used against pain in the rib cage, internal trauma and menstrual irregularities.
