An island off the coast of Yemen is home to hundreds of plants found nowhere else on earthPhotographs by Tomas van Houtryve — VII Network
Another Galapagos
Located off the coast of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, the island of Socotra contains some of the world's most astonishing and unique plant forms. More than a third of the 800 or so species on the island are found nowhere else on earth.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
Potential
Strapped for cash and aware of the island's uniqueness, Yemeni authorities are working to find ways to increase eco-tourism to Socotra. "Socotra is the safest island in Yemen," says a tourism official. "We have never had any security issues there. People think Yemen is dangerous, but hearing the news is not the same as seeing for yourself."Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
Dragon’s Blood Tree
Found only on the island's plateaus, this plant was christened the dragon's blood tree by traders who believed that its crimson sap was actual dragon's blood with medicinal properties.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
Populace
Because the island belongs to Yemen, a country with very strict regulations regarding travel, Socotra draws very few tourists. Even the most adventurous travelers are deterred by the country's association with radical Islam.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
The Socotran Fig
This sample of Dorstenia gigas has grown against a limestone rock face. The plant supposedly does not need soil to grow.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
Granite Peaks
The island was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Natural World Heritage Site in July 2008.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
Lush
In ancient times, Socotra's various endemic aloes, like Aloe perryi, above, were used in medicines and for cosmetics.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
Cave
Monsoon rains have cut through the island's limestone to create an elaborate network of gigantic caves, some of which can be explored.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
Desert Rose Tree
The cliff-dwelling Adenium obesum has shiny, rubbery bark, which thins gradually and splits into skeletal branches, from whose tips fragile pink flowers erupt.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
Matrix
Despite Socotra's isolation, its plant life is under threat from human encroachment, imported flora and fauna and, some scientists say, climate change. Alarmingly, recent reports suggest there have been no new natural saplings of the dragon's blood tree.Tomas van Houtryve / VII Network
