Oreofraga morrisiana

The north-facing cliffs of the north-west of Socotra are home to many species that thrive in the cracks of the vertical cliffs. They are out of reach for the goats, and they enjoy water seeping through the cracks long after the winter rains.

I found a few of this species near a considerable group of Peucedanum cordatum, so at first I thought it was the same species. The oreofraga morrisiana incrementally grows taller each year, making a longer and longer woody stem and branches behind, opposed to withering down to the root each year and growing back up from the root.

Judging by the annual growth, this is a very old individual. Likely several decades.

Endemic.

Oreofraga morrisiana

Last updated on 12 September 2023