Thamnosma socotrana

Thamnosma socotrana

A most peculiar plant! I only found this plant with fresh flowers, but unfortunately not with open flowers yet. I found it in very steep terrain close to the…


Campfire on top of Socotra

Campfire on top of Socotra

On top of Socotra, at 1500 meters above sea level, you are open to the elements, which often is fog and mist, which makes it very cold after sunset. This…


Socotra bottle tree (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum)

Socotra bottle tree (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum)

Many species of plants on Socotra have evolved seed pods like this, and I don't know why this is a design preferable here, as the content is dispersed by wind…


Caralluma socotrana

Caralluma socotrana

During my 14 day stay on Socotra I only found this Caralluma socotrana with a seed pod. And in what an exquisite state! The pod has just opened, and the seeds…


Archer sand dunes, Socotra

Arher sand dunes, Socotra

The sand dunes of Arher are popular with visitors. Some climb them for the view. Others to see the unique flora, and some like to slide down the sand dunes on…


Trachyspermum pimpinelloides

Trachyspermum pimpinelloides

The specimens of trachyspermum pimpinelloides I found close to the beach were small and early in their development, except this one where the seeds were…


Socotra fishermen at Archer

Socotra fishermen at Arher

This morning more than 10 skiffs were swarming around this area to catch fish. It looked rather disorganized to me, but I saw they throw their nets, barter…


Cucumis prophetarum

Cucumis prophetarum

I don't know the color of the ripe fruit of cucumis prophetarum, but this one was swollen and seemed to be nearing it's final stages for seed dispersal. Native…


Cryptolepis socotrana

Cryptolepis socotrana

I found cryptolepis socotrana only in this location during my two week stay on Socotra. It grows in a crack in the rock face of the Kalesan gorge - out of…


Phyllanthus maderaspatensis

Phyllanthus maderaspatensis

I found phyllanthus maderaspatensis in Socotra's dry riverbeds. Native range is Africa West Indian Ocean, Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan to Australia.……