5 Feb 2023
Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)
The marine life around Socotra is rich and diverse, but I am focusing on the flora and fauna on land. However, I had a short window of opportunity during low…
5 Feb 2023
Violet Zoanthids (Zoanthus sansibaricus)
Socotra's biodiversity on land is undisputed and world famous, but it is equally diverse on the coast and in the sea. I am focusing on the terrestrial realm…
5 Feb 2023
Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa)
I encountered this Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa) in two locations. Only this one was in its prime, albeit the smallest. Native range is eastern Africa,…
4 Feb 2023
Tamarix nilotica
Tamarix nilotica thrives by the sand dunes of Arher, where it forms dense thickets. On Socotra It is also found in sand dunes in many other locations near the…
4 Feb 2023
Zygophyllum qatarense
Zygophyllum qatarense thrives in the sands of Arher on the northeast coast of Socotra. Here they grow to their full potential and seem to never shed their…
4 Feb 2023
Heliotropium sokotranum
As several other species this one is growing to its full potential here, in and by the sand dunes of Arher.
4 Feb 2023
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
This is the only place I've encountered Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) on Socotra. It thrives here in the shadow of the tall cliffs of Socotra's northeast, and…
4 Feb 2023
Paraerva microphylla
A healthy specimen of Paraerva microphylla soon in bloom. I found many of this species around the Arher sand dunes where they were all untouched by goats, as…
4 Feb 2023
Cleome brachycarpa
The largest specimen I have come across of Cleome brachycarpa so far. It's clearly enjoying excellent growing conditions in the shadow of the Archer cliffs.…