Tree That Bleeds

A tree that “bleeds” typically refers to a tree species that exudes a sap or resin that resembles blood when it is cut or wounded. This phenomenon is not actual bleeding but rather the release of plant sap that may have a reddish or brownish color, giving the appearance of blood.

One well-known example of a tree that “bleeds” is the Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari). This unique tree species is native to the Socotra archipelago in Yemen. When the trunk or branches of the Dragon’s Blood Tree are cut, they exude a dark red resin, which has been historically used for various purposes, including dyeing, incense, and traditional medicine.

Another tree that exhibits a bleeding-like sap is the Padauk tree (Pterocarpus spp.), particularly the species Pterocarpus angolensis and Pterocarpus santalinus. These trees, native to Africa and Southeast Asia respectively, produce a red sap when cut, resembling blood.

It’s important to note that the sap or resin produced by these trees is not actual blood but a natural substance with its own unique properties. The bleeding appearance is purely visual and often has cultural or historical significance associated with the particular tree species.