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…


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…


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…


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)

Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) is very popular fruit with Socotris. I have yet to taste one, as these lovely fruits were out of reach for me to…


Inversed Fiddler Crab (Cranuca inversa)

Inversed Fiddler Crab (Cranuca inversa)

I found plenty of this species at this location and no signs of competing species. They thrive here next to a large date grove, where I rested in their…


Socotran Desert Rose (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum)

Socotran Desert Rose (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum)

The unmistakable fruit of the Socotran Desert Rose (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum). I encountered plenty of fruits during this visit to Socotra, but only 2-3…


Namaqua Fig (Ficus cordata)

Namaqua Fig (Ficus cordata)

A large and mature namaqua fig (Ficus cordata) with signs of past droughts as many branches were dead. This is a species found in drier areas in Socotra, on…