If you encounter a flowering Trichocalyx orbiculatus you will very likely see a Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri) visit for a sip of nectar, as I did here.
The steep slopes of western Socotra provide shade for life on the ground for most of the morning, and the ground receives moisture from myriads of cracks channeling water from deep inside the mountain. This is where you’ll find some of the best and most vital specimens of plant species on Socotra, and here a Trichocalyx orbiculatus reached high like a proper tree. Other places it’s normally just a medium sized bush.
Similar to Trichocalyx obovatus which has obovate to spatulate leaves with longer petiole. Uncertain if this could be a variation of one species.
Last updated on 23 February 2024
