The odd lifeforms make the planet look alien and not of this world. There are 700 rare species of flora and fauna, untouched by time. Despite the harsh, hot, and dry climate, plant life continues to thrive amongst the sandy beaches and limestone plateaus full of caves and mountains.
Socotra comes from a Sanskrit name, meaning “The Island of Bliss.” Some of the varieties of plants are over 20 million years old. Thick trunks, as large as an elephant's leg, litter the mountainsides, while trees that double as the biggest umbrella in the world show off a fine shape. Some plants don't even require soil to grow, coming out straight from the rock.
The island has around 40,000 inhabitants, but the first roads were recently installed. They thrive on tourism but are keen on preserving their ecological rarities.
