Dioscorea lanata

The shape of the leaves provides information that this is a species and an individual with a huge growth potential.

Dioscorea lanata is a twining plant that can grow to several meters in length. However, this seedling set root in an shallow crack in the limestone. Unless its roots can reach deep enough to reach the water seeping through, it will not reach its potential.

It is likely spread from an individual growing in the soil nearby, as this is a favourable location for species sensitive to water. The large foliage is typical of species that will wither as soon as there is lack of water, but her by the steep walls of the north-east of Socotra, they get shade and protection from the sun, as well as fog and moisture from the air forced upwards by the walls.

Dioscorea lanata is endemic to Socotra.

Last updated on 8 November 2024