Boswellia scopulorum is found in few and isolated areas where they escape the goats atop huge limestone boulders and in vertical cliffs. This is individual has not escaped the goats, and thus the growth, instead of growing out of reach for the goats, has been condemned to a prostrate life as the annual shoots and foliage are eaten. I struggled hard to climb this huge limestone boulder, and to get a foothold to photograph it, but the goats seem to have a regular visit here.
22 October 2023 cyclone Tej hit Socotra, and with it extreme amounts of rain inundated every corner of the island. Almost two months later I am met with a green island where every species of plant is thriving and growing to their potential. The boswellias are no exception, all with shoots, lush canopies and many with flowers!
There are at least 9 species of Boswellia on Socotra, and they are all endemic.
Elevation: 245 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 8 November 2024
