Alien Island

Socotra is a small islands in the Indian Ocean.  It's about 150 miles from the Horn of Africa and about 240 miles from the Arabian Peninsula.  The island is very isolated and 1/3 of it's plant life found nowhere else in the world.  It is often described as the most "alien looking" place on earth, as well as the jewel of biodiversity.  Socotra is officially part of Yemen.   It is one of the most isolated landforms on Earth (not volcanic). The island is a tropical desert/ semi-desert climate with an average temperature of 78 degrees.  Rainfall is very light.  The monsoon season bring strong winds and high seas.  Currently over 700 endemic species of fauna and flora are living on the island. Much of this is endangered or at risk.  The Dragon's Blood Tree is a strange looking umbrella shaped tree famous to Socotra.  Historically it has been sought after for dye, paint and varnish.  The endemic aloes are used medicinally and for cosmetics. The indigenous inhabitants of Socotra are mainly of Southern Arabian descent.  There are also a lot of Somali and Indian origin residents living on the island.  Black Africans are thought to be descendants of runaway slaves.  The language of Soqotri is spoken and is related to modern day Arabian languages.  There are currently 50,000 people living on the island. Definitely a place to add to the bucket list.