In an area consumed by war, famine, and poverty, Yemen's Socotra Island stands out for resembling an oasis of calm.

Socotra is a an archipelago of four islands situated in the Indian Ocean, 240 kms east of Somalia, and 380 kms south of the Arabian peninsula. It was enlisted as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008.

Its remoteness from the mainland has led Socotra Island to be described as the most alien-looking place on earth, as a third of its flora hasn't been discovered anywhere else.

A combination of long geographical isolation, around 18 million years, along with heat and drought has contributed to the creation of widespread flora exclusive to Socotra Island.

The fictional sounding Dragon's blood tree is one of the Island's most outstanding plants. The red sap of the umbrella-shaped tree was believed to be ancient dragon blood, hence its name. Once used for medicinal purposes and dye, the sap is now used in paint and polish.

Centuries ago, the island's ubiquitous aloe plants were also used for its medicinal and cosmetic qualities.

Socotra Island also claims the rare Socotran pomegranate tree as one of many plant species found on the island.

Contrary to its flora, fauna is minimal, with the bat as the only native mammal to the island.

The population of Socotra estimates at 50,000, and are of Arab, Somali and South Asian origins, and speak the unique Soqotri language, which is only found elsewhere in minorities of UAE and other Gulf countries.

The island's tranquility has recently been disturbed by Somali pirates who have used it as a post to refuel.

By Noora Faraj
Al Arabiya with Agencies

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