What does the word 'sap' mean to you? Specifically, tree sap. You probably imagine something sticky and brown, like maple syrup. Some might also think of balm or incense, which also come from plant resin. But few would picture a tree that bleeds, crimson like that of a human.
The dracaena cinnabari, or the dragon's blood tree, is a tree native to the Socotra region in Yemen. The nickname comes from the red sap that the trees produce. Among the Socotris (the indigenous people), it is known as 'emzoloh' and has a variety of medicinal uses. In ancient times, it was also called 'cinnabar', from which the scientific name is derived.
Although the sap is the most famous aspect of the dragon's blood tree, it is not the only remarkable feature. The distinctive umbrella canopy is a result of adaptation to the monsoon season when rain and mist cover the area. The dense foliage at the top of the tree captures this moisture and directs it to the roots through thick branches. Given that the tree is quite old, its strange appearance adds to its mysterious nature.
A unique feature of the dragon's blood tree is how the leaves grow. Only the tips of the branches display foliage, both leaves and flowers. Otherwise, the branches are bare, completing the umbrella shape and accentuating the extraterrestrial aesthetic. These flowers are small and greenish-white in color. When fertilized, they produce berries. As they ripen, the berries change from green to black to orange.
Dragon's blood tree berries are highly valued, especially as food for livestock. Even a few berries improve the health of cows and goats. However, too many can cause illness, resulting in rationing. Nevertheless, it plays an important role in the Socotra economy, and it is unlikely that the people could survive without it.
Many items, from incense to paint, are made with dragon's blood resin. The dye is also believed to be the reason why Stradivarius violins have such an intense color. There are even some possible medicinal applications for dragon's blood tree resin, but this has not been tested on humans. It is safe to use in small amounts, but the benefits are currently undocumented. Admittedly, items labeled as "dragon's blood" may also use resin from related trees, such as Dracaena draco or Croton lechleri, among others.
Nature can be beautiful, healing, and surreal, often all at once. In an era where trees are often overlooked, the dragon's blood tree (Dracaena Cinnabari) stands out not only for its properties but also for its importance as the backbone of Socotri society. It may feel like an element straight out of a fantasy novel, but it is incredibly real.
Unfortunately, these trees face a significant problem. Due to various circumstances, they are severely threatened with extinction. The dracaena cinnabari species is even in a more serious condition than the dracaena draco species. Nevertheless, both are listed among the vulnerable tree species along with a few others. With my hobbyist cultivation, I am trying to contribute to the preservation of these magical dragon's blood trees.
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S. Tiemessen
April 29, 2023
Hallo,
hoe verzorg je de cinnabari, in wat voor grond, hoeveel water en desnoods mest of voeding? Hoe moet de cinnabari staan, in de zon of……?
Ik ben dol op aparte bomen, planten etc. Ben van plan om zaden aan te schaffen, wat is een goed adres
Bij voorbaat dank.
MVG,
S. Tiemessen