Cissus paniculata

Cissus paniculata

My first and only encounter with Cissus paniculata on Socotra. A large and vital specimen, growing in the cracks of a vertical cliff by a creek where it was…


Socotran Fig (Dorstenia gigas)

Socotran Fig (Dorstenia gigas)

Socotran Fig (Dorstenia gigas) is a species that is quite hard to get up and close with as it is a vertical cliff specialist. This was no exception, except…


Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica)

Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica)

A vibrant, healthy and quite tall Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica), found next to the walls of the north east of Socotra. These vertical cliffs…


Dioscorea lanata

Dioscorea lanata

The shape of the leaves provides information that this is a species and an individual with a huge growth potential. Dioscorea lanata is a twining plant that…


Peucedanum cordatum

Peucedanum cordatum

The vertical cliffs of Socotra are very important safe havens for many plant species as there they are safe from goats. Thus they are able to grow and disperse…


Geranium biuncinatum

Geranium biuncinatum

The vertical cliffs of the north-east Socotra are home to many plant species, including this Geranium biuncinatum, that thrive in the protective shadow of the…


Dioscorea lanata

Dioscorea lanata

Dioscorea lanata is endemic to Socotra. Dioscorea…</p><hr class=

Habenaria socotrana

Habenaria socotrana

The fact that species of orchids are found on Socotra is a testament to the wealth of opportunities for life here. At first glance it is an arid island, yet…


Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is an invasive species, introduced by humans. Native range is Texas to Central America, Caribbean.


Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi)

Christ’s Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi)

This Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) tree is not bearing flowers or fruits, but when in fruit the Socotris will collect what they can as this is…