Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus) with bark snails

Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus) with bark snails

You can find these dormant (aestivating) land snails (Achatinelloides) sporadically throughout Socotra, but find them covering an entire Socotra cucumber tree…


Morten Ross and Boswellia scopulorum

Morten Ross and Boswellia scopulorum

Here I'm taking a short break from exploring the boswellias growing on the cliffs here. I encountered both Boswellia popoviana and Boswellia scopulorum here.…


Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)

Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)

A very young Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus) that has survived the insatiable appetite of the goats - only because it growing where they cannot…


Morten Ross in search of Boswellia nana

Morten Ross and Boswellia nana

Here I'm take a break in the land of Boswellia nana, the limestone plateau of Socotra's northwest. Elevation:584 meters.


Morten Ross in Yumthang, Sikkim

Morten Ross in Yumthang, Sikkim

Here I'm eating lunch after exploring the amazingly rich flora. Elevation: 4076 meters.


Morten Ross in Yumthang, Sikkim

Morten Ross in Yumthang, Sikkim

Here I'm surrounded by Sikkim Cowslips (Primula sikkimensis) and Rhododendrons in subalpine Sikkim, India. Elevation: 3953 meters.


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…


Morten Ross and Peucedanum cordatum

Morten Ross and Peucedanum cordatum

Due to the very high numbers of goats on Socotra, many endemic and already endangered species have just one last option for survival - the vertical cliffs! For…


Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

This is the only place I've encountered Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) on Socotra. It thrives here in the shadow of the tall cliffs of Socotra's northeast, and…