Socotra is exceptionally diverse, and holds more than 300 species of plants endemic to the island, meaning they exist nowhere else on the planet. All of these species are at risk of becoming extinct. Cadaba insularis is an example of how critical it can become when people use a given species like there is no tomorrow.
Cadaba insularis is very slow-growing, and thus the wood is heavy and hard. Excellent building material, but on an island any given species will very quickly go extinct if there is no consideration for the natural world. In past years of drought locals have used them for fodder as well, so this species has been hit very hard.
There are less than 20 individuals known in the wild, and unfortunately there is so far no success in procreation. For now this species has not given us the understanding needed to make seeds germinate or for cuttings to grow, like the Boswellias do. One day, hopefully, we will break the code and save it from extinction. Perhaps new growth will appear in February 2024.
This species is critically endangered.
I visited this individual about 10 months ago, and during these few months there is little change, except that the shoots have matured, and now signs of new shoots or flowers.
It is endemic to Socotra.
Elevation: 387 meters.
Last updated on 19 June 2024
