Angkalanthus oligophylla

Angkalanthus oligophylla

Angkalanthus oligophylla is one of several endemic plant species that is threatened with extinction on Socotra. The main threat is the huge numbers of goats,…


Geranium trilophum

Geranium trilophum

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


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…


Convolvulus sarmentosus

Convolvulus sarmentosus

There is a short window of opportunity for many of the plant species on Socotra that are most sensitive to the winter rains for growth and blossom. For one…


Dirichletia obovata

Dirichletia obovata

At this stage the inflorescences of the Dirichletia obovata look like hortensia, but in fact the flowers are long gone and fallen to the ground. The flowers,…


Indigofera pseudointricata

Indigofera pseudointricata

The indigofera pseudointricata is never left alone by the Socotra's many goats, but for now this individual is left alone to grow, as the winter rains made the…


Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex)

Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex)

Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex) ia an introduced species to Socotra that spreads from gardens, and date groves. Native range is West Tropical Africa to Eritrea…


Spade Flower (Pigea enneasperma)

Spade Flower (Pigea enneasperma)

I encountered Spade Flower (Pigea enneasperma) in bloom in a few places in Firhmin Forest. It is a very variable species, and is found with spatulate…


Spade Flower (Pigea enneasperma)

Spade Flower (Pigea enneasperma)

Spade Flower (Pigea enneasperma) is a very variable species, to the extent that this one is possibly a subspecies due to its spatulate (spoon-shaped) leaves,…