{"product_id":"socotra-dragons-blood-resin-dracaena-cinnabari","title":"Socotra Dragon’s Blood Resin | Dracaena cinnabari","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Grade • Socotran \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e • Aromatic Incense Resin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e Balf.f.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Asparagaceae\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Grade natural Dragon’s Blood resin\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Socotra, Yemen, documented in sourcing records\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResin Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very clean, predominantly small pieces with some medium pieces and no visible bark through the current stock\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAromatic Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Subtle and dry in its raw state. With gentle heat, the resin develops a deep, dry, earthy and smoky character with woody, resinous depth rather than the bright sweetness associated with resins such as copal or frankincense\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aromatic incense, botanical collection and traditional colourant or craft exploration\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePack Options:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 g or 50 g, with the 50 g option supplied as two individually packed 25 g pouches to help protect this exceptionally brittle resin during transit\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Resin Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is an unusually clean lot of natural \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e resin. The current stock consists predominantly of small pieces with some medium pieces and no visible bark through the material.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDragon’s Blood resin is naturally hard and extremely brittle. Pieces can fracture into smaller fragments during packing, transport and normal handling. This does not indicate deterioration or reduced quality. Size, shape, surface texture and colour will naturally vary between pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe aroma is restrained while the resin is cold. Heat transforms it. Used sparingly on well prepared charcoal or a controlled electric incense warmer, it develops a much darker, drier and earthier incense character than the brighter aromatic profile of frankincense or copal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAbout Socotra Dragon’s Blood\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDragon’s Blood is an evocative trade name rather than the name of a single botanical material. Today it can refer to unrelated red resins and saps originating from Socotra, the Canary Islands, Southeast Asian rattans and South American \u003cem\u003eCroton\u003c\/em\u003e species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis product is specifically \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e, the Dragon Blood Tree native to the Socotra Archipelago of Yemen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor collectors, incense users, historians and artisans seeking the Socotran material associated with the oldest Dragon’s Blood trade, the botanical identity matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRaman spectroscopy research has identified Socotran \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e as the original botanical source of Dragon’s Blood associated with Roman antiquity and demonstrated that its resin can be distinguished from later botanical sources sold under the same name. This aligns remarkably with the mid first century \u003cem\u003ePeriplus of the Erythraean Sea\u003c\/em\u003e, which records Socotra producing a red substance called cinnabar that researchers identify with the island’s Dragon’s Blood resin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Ethnobotanical History\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBlood of the Two Brothers\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn Socotra, the resin is known in Arabic as dum al akhawain, meaning blood of the two brothers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA local legend tells of two brothers, Darsa and Samha, who fought until both died. The first Dragon Blood Tree was said to have grown from the place where their blood fell.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is cultural tradition rather than botanical science, but it reveals something science alone cannot: how deeply the tree and its extraordinary red resin became embedded in the identity, memory and storytelling of Socotra.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrom Socotra to the Ancient World\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDragon’s Blood was already significant enough to enter written accounts of Indian Ocean trade almost two thousand years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003ePeriplus of the Erythraean Sea\u003c\/em\u003e, written around the mid first century, describes Socotra as a source of a red substance called cinnabar. Modern historical and botanical scholarship identifies this with the resin of \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe material subsequently travelled far beyond the island and became associated with trade, artistic materials, incense and cultural practices across different regions and periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eColour, Craft and Culture\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe extraordinary crimson colour of \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e resin has always been part of its value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEthnobotanical fieldwork on Socotra records its use as a colourant for pottery and bottles, as well as traditional cosmetic use by women for colouring lips and nails.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeyond Socotra, Dragon’s Blood became known as a red colourant in varnishes, translucent glazes and other artistic materials. Historical craft sources also document Dragon’s Blood being dissolved in alcohol for coloured varnish preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat history makes the resin much more than an incense material. It sits at an unusual intersection of botany, colour, craft, aromatic tradition and ancient trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSourcing \u0026amp; Product Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy This Dragon’s Blood?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe material offered by Sacred Plants Australia was purchased as Dragonblood Socotra, \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCurrent sourcing documentation identifies the material as \u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e from Socotra, Yemen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSacred Plants Australia designates the current lot A Grade because of its exceptionally clean physical condition, strong colour, lack of visible bark and overall resin quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Grade is Sacred Plants Australia’s quality designation for this lot. It is not an independent certification or laboratory grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNothing is added to the resin. No fragrance, colour, filler or other material is added by Sacred Plants Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e25 g:\u003c\/strong\u003e AU$39.95\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e50 g Best Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e AU$69.95\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 50 g option is supplied as two individually sealed 25 g pouches, helping protect the brittle resin while giving you a second unopened pouch for later use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoosing 50 g saves AU$9.95 compared with purchasing two 25 g packs separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePacked in Australia by Sacred Plants Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConservation Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDracaena cinnabari\u003c\/em\u003e is native to Socotra and is currently classified as Vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts conservation story deserves precision rather than marketing language.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch examining resin collection in the Firmihin Forest found that the local harvesting system studied there was not sustainable, particularly where repeated tapping enlarged wounds and damaged trees. The species also faces broader regeneration pressures across parts of its range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor that reason, Sacred Plants Australia will not describe this lot as sustainably harvested, ethically harvested, wild harvested, organic, conservation supporting or similar unless evidence exists to substantiate the specific claim.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat we can substantiate is what we state: the botanical identity documented for this lot, its documented Socotran origin and the physical quality of the material in this lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIncense Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDragon’s Blood is powerful aromatic material and only a very small quantity is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor charcoal incense, allow the charcoal to ignite fully and develop a light layer of ash before adding a tiny piece of resin. This moderates the heat and allows the resin to warm rather than immediately scorch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a gentler experience, use a suitable electric resin warmer according to its manufacturer’s instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBegin with a very small amount. Add more only after experiencing the strength of the first piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse only in a well ventilated area.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePigment \u0026amp; Craft Exploration\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDragon’s Blood has a documented history as a red colourant in artistic materials, including varnishes and translucent finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor experimental craft use, begin with a tiny quantity. The brittle resin can be finely crushed before testing. Historical preparations include Dragon’s Blood incorporated into alcohol based varnishes, where its intense red colour was valued as a translucent colourant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResults will vary with solvent strength, binder, concentration and surface, so always test on scrap material before using it on a finished piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe resin and its preparations can stain skin, fabric, benches, tools and porous surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlcohol and alcohol based preparations are flammable. Keep them completely away from charcoal, incense burners, open flame and other ignition sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSafety\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a stable, heat resistant incense burner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNever leave hot charcoal, a heated resin burner or smouldering material unattended.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep away from children, pets and combustible materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid inhaling concentrated smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAllow burners, charcoal and resin residues to cool completely before handling or disposal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor aromatic incense and botanical material use only.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not ingest.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStorage\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep sealed in a cool, dry and dark location away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHandle gently. The resin is naturally very brittle and may fracture into smaller pieces during storage and normal handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePost \u0026amp; Biosecurity\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAustralian Orders\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e✅ AVAILABLE: Australian Capital Territory\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✅ AVAILABLE: New South Wales\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✅ AVAILABLE: Northern Territory\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✅ AVAILABLE: Queensland\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✅ AVAILABLE: South Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e⚠️ CONDITIONS APPLY: Tasmania\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant products entering Tasmania are subject to biosecurity entry requirements and may require advance notice or inspection. Customers should confirm the current Tasmanian requirements before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✅ AVAILABLE: Victoria\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e⚠️ CONDITIONS APPLY: Western Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDried plant products entering Western Australia may be inspected for pests or the presence of seed. Inspection fees may apply.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eInternational Orders\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e✅ AVAILABLE: International\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCustomers are responsible for checking whether this botanical material may legally be imported into their destination country before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSacred Plants Australia does not provide phytosanitary certificates, import permits, inspections, treatments, seed-analysis certificates or destination-specific import documentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eInformation Currency\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast reviewed: 23 September 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBiosecurity and import requirements can change. The information above reflects the requirements identified for this item on the date shown.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sacred Plants Australia","offers":[{"title":"25 g","offer_id":53860354654502,"sku":"SDR-25","price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 g","offer_id":53860354687270,"sku":"SDR-50","price":69.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7656\/8102\/files\/socotra-dragons-blood-resin-dracaena-cinnabari-crimson-resin-hero.png?v=1793061734","url":"https:\/\/sacredplants.com.au\/products\/socotra-dragons-blood-resin-dracaena-cinnabari","provider":"Sacred Plants Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}