Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)

Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)

The marine life around Socotra is rich and diverse, but I am focusing on the flora and fauna on land. However, I had a short window of opportunity during low…


Cowpea Witchweed (Striga gesnerioides)

Cowpea Witchweed (Striga gesnerioides)

The parasitic Cowpea Witchweed (Striga gesnerioides) is found throughout Socotra, from sea-level and up to about 700 meters. This is individual growing on the…


Cowpea Witchweed (Striga gesnerioides)

Cowpea Witchweed (Striga gesnerioides)

The parasitic Cowpea Witchweed (Striga gesnerioides) is found throughout Socotra, from sea-level and up to about 700 meters. This observation is from the…


Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa)

Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa)

I encountered this Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa) in two locations. Only this one was in its prime, albeit the smallest. Native range is eastern Africa,…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Erissel is the easternmost point of Socotra. It is a windswept low-lying area governed by the elements. During cyclones the wind and sea wreak havoc on the…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Erissel is the easternmost point of Socotra. It is a windswept low-lying area governed by the elements. During cyclones the wind and sea wreak havoc on the…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

The north-facing beach of the tip of Erissel is wide and deep, with a large part only tasting the waves during monsoons. This is perfect conditions for the…


Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa)

Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa)

My first encounter of Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa) on Socotra. Unfortunately I was a few days late for the blossom. It is found scattered where the…


Lindenbergia sokotrana

Lindenbergia sokotrana

A beautiful Lindenbergia sokotrana, untouched by goats and in full bloom. The weeks after good winter rains are spectacular on Socotra, as the plants are so…


Lindenbergia sokotrana

Lindenbergia sokotrana

Lindenbergia sokotrana is commonly seen in in rocky places and plains below around 700 meters elevation. It is endemic to Socotra. Elevation: 348 meters.