A forest of dragon blood trees can only be found on Socotra, as this species exists nowhere else! Firhmin Forest is a spectacular sight and the Dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) is just one of so many species that exist only on this island. Although Firhmin appears like a healthy forest, you quickly notice there is no regeneration. Under each of these trees there should be a number of seedlings from many species of plants growing in the shade of the dragon’s canopy. Unfortunately all is eaten away by the goats.
In time this forest might be all gone as the oldest trees die one by one, without any to replace them. Add climate change and this species is facing yet another hard hitting hurdle. One being stronger and more frequent monsoons, causing trees to topple over. Another is much less fog passing over the foliage, meaning less water on the ground underneath for the seedlings and the dragon itself.
For now the dragon blood tree is doing well in the mountains above 1200 meter elevation, where significant amounts of precipitation ensures a very dense vegetation that protects seedlings against goats.
Elevation: 586 meters.
It is endemic to Socotra.
Last updated on 19 June 2024
