The leaves are the smallest of the Boswellia species and should be easy to distinguish. However, there are other species with similarly looking leaves, one is the Commiphora parvifolia. The easiest way to distinguish them is winged rhachis (the stem of which the leaflets are atatched), the habit – the overall shape or growth of the tree. Commiphora parvifolia has branches stretching wide horizontally, giving it an umbrella-like appearance.
This was the only specimen of Boswellia socotrana I encountered during my visit this time.
Endemic.
Elevation: 328 meters.
This is the complete list of all the 10 Boswellia species found in the Socotra Archipelago:
Boswellia ameero
Boswellia asplenifolia
Boswellia bullata
Boswellia dioscoridis
Boswellia elongata
Boswellia nana
Boswellia popoviana
Boswellia scopulorum
Boswellia socotrana
Found only on the island of Samha:
Boswellia samhaensis
In addition there are numerous hybrids and varieties that will keep botanists busy.
Read more:
The challenges in seed regeneration of the endemic Boswellia species on Socotra.
Last updated on 14 October 2023
