Leaves | Morten Ross

Archive for 'Leaves'

Cut-leaved Begonia (Begonia palmata)

Cut-leaved Begonia is found in Sikkim’s subtropical to temperate biomes to 2400 meters elevation. Elevation: 906 meters. Native range is Nepal to South China and Mainland Southeast Asia, Taiwan.

Painted Leaf Begonia (Begonia picta)

Painted Leaf Begonia is found in Sikkim’s subtropical biome. Elevation: 1514 meters. Native range is Indian Subcontinent to South Tibet and Myanmar.

Painted Leaf Begonia (Begonia picta)

Painted Leaf Begonia is found in Sikkim’s subtropical biome. Elevation: 1514 meters. Native range is Indian Subcontinent to South Tibet and Myanmar.

Painted Leaf Begonia (Begonia picta)

Painted Leaf Begonia is found in Sikkim’s subtropical biome. Elevation: 1514 meters. Native range is Indian Subcontinent to South Tibet and Myanmar.

Painted Leaf Begonia (Begonia picta)

Painted Leaf Begonia is found in Sikkim’s subtropical biome. Elevation: 1514 meters. Native range is Indian Subcontinent to South Tibet and Myanmar.

Fishbone Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)

Fishbone Fern is found in Sikkim’s subtropical biome. Elevation: 1964 meters. Native range is São Tomé, Southwest Cameroon, West Indian Ocean, Tropical & Subtropical Asia to Pacific.

Microsorum membranaceum

Microsorum membranaceum is found in Sikkim’s tropical to subtropical biomes. Elevation: 1890 meters. Native range is Tropical & Subtropical Asia.

Himalayan Mayapple (Podophyllum hexandrum)

Himalayan Mayapple is found in Sikkim’s alpine biome to 4500 meters elevation. Elevation: 3874 meters. Native range is Northeast Afghanistan to Central China.

Bassecoia hookeri

Bassecoia hookeri is found in Sikkim’s temperate to alpine biomes to 4900 meters elevation. Elevation: 3874 meters. Native range is Central Himalaya to China.

Thermopsis barbata

Thermopsis barbata is found in Sikkim’s subtropical to alpine biomes to 4600 meters elevation. Elevation: 3874 meters. Native range is Himalaya to West & South Central China.

Habenaria aitchisonii

Habenaria aitchisonii is found in Sikkim’s temperate to alpine biomes to 4300 meters elevation. Elevation: 3721 meters. Native range is Afghanistan to South Central China and North Myanmar.

Himalayan Mayapple (Podophyllum hexandrum)

Himalayan Mayapple is found in Sikkim’s alpine biome to 4500 meters elevation. Elevation: 3721 meters. Native range is Northeast Afghanistan to Central China.

Sikkim Rhubarb (Rheum nobile)

Sikkim Rhubarb is found in Sikkim’s alpine biome to 5000 meters elevation. Elevation: 4831 meters. Native range is Afghanistan to South Tibet and North Myanmar.

Tibetan Torchwort (Phlomoides tibetica)

Tibetan Torchwort is found in Sikkim’s temperate to subalpine biomes. Elevation: 4167 meters. Native range is Assam, East Himalaya, Nepal, Tibet.

Panax bipinnatifidus

Panax bipinnatifidus is found in Sikkim’s temperate to subalpine biomes to 4000 meters elevation. Elevation: 2973 meters. Native range is Himalaya to China, Myanmar and Thailand.

Corallodiscus lanuginosus is found in Sikkim’s subtropical to temperate to alpine biomes to 4300 meters elevation. Elevation: 1797 meters. Native range is Himalaya to Central & South China, Thailand and Myanmar.

Ligularia mortonii

Ligularia mortonii is found in Sikkim’s subalpine biome. Elevation: 3716 meters. Native range is Central & Eeast Himalaya.

Myrvier (Salix glauca)

Sjølitjernet i Skogbygda er omkranset av myr og sumpaktig landskap der mange myrbundne arter som myrvieren trives. Hele bestanden av myrvier er sterkt preget av elgens beiting gjennom flere år. Naturlig utbredelse i subantaktisk og temperert nordlige halvkule.

Cissus paniculata

My first and only encounter of this species of vine on Socotra. A large and vital specimen, growing in the cracks of a vertical cliff by a creek where it was partly hanging, partly climbing. It is a shady and moist location, sheltered by the sun most of the day. Elevation: 240 meters. Endemic.

Socotran Fig (Dorstenia gigas)

This is a species that is quite hard to get up and close with as it is a vertical cliff specialist. This was no exception, except that there was a way for me to climb to it without taking a big risk. The foliage of this individual is wide, shiny and vibrant, a sign of […]

Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica)

A vibrant, healthy and quite tall Punica protopunica, found next to the walls of the north east of Socotra. These vertical cliffs provide shade and moisture for much longer than the exposed part of Socotra, and thus the species that grow here, next to the wall, are very healthy. Endemic.

Dioscorea lanata

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

Peucedanum cordatum

The vertical cliffs of Socotra are very important safe havens for many plant species as there they are safe from goats. Thus they are able to grow and disperse seeds. This was my very first encounter of this species and at this location I found many individuals in a small area. All growing in cracks […]

Geranium biuncinatum

The vertical cliffs of the north-east Socotra are home to many plant species that thrive in the protective shadow of the tall cliffs, which also provide water seeping out of cracks long after the winter rains. During my visit I walked in a field of flowers tall and vital from all the winter rains, which […]

Dioscorea lanata

Endemic.

Habenaria socotrana

The fact that species of orchids are found on Socotra is a testament to the wealth of opportunities for life here. At first glance it is an arid island, yet there is always water present. Some locations all year round, others after the winter rains. This is the most common of the orchids on Socotra, […]

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

An invasive species, introduced by humans. Native range is Texas to Central America, Caribbean.

Christ’s Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi)

This tree is not bearing flowers or fruits, but when in fruit the Socotris will collect what they can as this is a popular fruit. Unfortunately I have yet to taste it. Native range is Africa, Arabia to Pakistan. Elevation: 94 meters.

Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex)

An introduced species that spreads from gardens, and date groves.

Boswellia elongata

A mature and healthy specimen of boswellia elongata, but alone and without any seedlings nearby. This lack of regeneration is a long standing problem all over Socotra as the goats eat all the seedlings, effectively preventing the next generation from establishing. Thus this mature tree will sooner, rather than later die of old age and […]

Socotra plant (Poaceae)

Ficus vasta

Very few plant species on Socotra grow such large leaves as the ficus vasta. Fully grown it is also one of the largest of the trees on Socotra. In the dry season this is a tree without leaves, as it is deciduous. For the time being this one has sufficient moisture from the vertical cliffs […]

Namaqua Fig (Ficus cordata)

A large and mature specimen with signs of past droughts as many branches were dead. This is a species found in drier areas in Socotra, on cliffs along valleys and canyons near water. Also found in countries in western-southwestern Africa and Arabia. Elevation: 479 meters.

Tragia balfourii

A species advertising a sinister side to it – stinging hairs, just like a stinging nettle. I did not have an encounter with its stings, as I did not brush against one, nor wore shorts, but I have no plan on feeling a sting. It is not known why it has evolved to such a […]

Persian Violet (Exacum affine)

This is a common species wherever there is water, which translates to cracks and crevices, often on vertical canyon walls (wadis) were there is water seepage, and alongside streams, springs and pools. If you take care and use your sense of smell, you will sense the sweet scent of it before you see it. In […]

Rhinacanthus scoparius

In years of drought the huge number of goats on Socotra will eat anything that will not cause discomfort or poisoning. In years with sufficient moisture, they will first and foremost eat grasses. This winter (2022/23) has seen a considerable amount of rain and thus excellent conditions for grasses and all flora. For this specimen […]

Euphorbia socotrana

A beautiful specimen, vibrant with life and energy due to sufficient moisture this winter. It is endemic, which means it grows nowhere else on Earth. This is at 900 meter elevation. Endemic.

Rhododendron falconeri

This is perhaps the most impressive of all the rhododendron species I encountered during my travel in Bhutan. Not because it was such a huge specimen, it was in fact a young bush which made these flowers accessible to me, as mature plants have their inflorescences too high to reach. Not because it had such […]

Rhododendron kesangiae

My previous encounter of this species was carrying one inflorescence with flowers just opening, but was exceedingly hard to get up and close to. I was naturally exhilarated to be able to encounter wonderful specimens here that I could touch and admire as close as I wanted. This very location was a veritable garden with […]

Fringed Rue (Ruta chalepensis)

I only found this species in one specific location on Skand (or Skand) – the highest point on all of Socotra. Elevation: 1480 meters.

Euphorbia socotrana

On the highest peaks of Socotra you’ll find magnificent deciduous trees like this one. Some were finished shedding leaves whilst others were in yellows or reds like the temperate autumns. Endemic.

Libinhania sphaerocephala

Close to the top of Socotra, Skand (or Skand) I found some healthy plants of this species under some trees, which was a relief as all the previous I saw on the way up here were either drooping from lack of water or were browsed by goats. Endemic.

Oldenlandia balfourii

This plant is so small that it’s very easy to miss! On the field below the weather station of Skand I found many of them growing under trees. Endemic.

Searsia thyrsiflora

I found many of this species on top of Socotra – Skand (or Skand), but few with good flowers as it was nearing the end of the season. Endemic.

Pulicaria lanata

The wooly leaves makes this plant easy to identify year round. Endemic.

African Boxwood (Myrsine africana)

A most peculiar inflorescence, but with with very attractive color! I found only two plants with this stage of flowering and fresh leaves seen here – all other were passed bloom. Again the top of Socotra – Skand (or Skand) was the very last range for the season, as on lower altitudes the dry season […]

Thamnosma socotrana

A most peculiar plant! I only found this plant with fresh flowers, but unfortunately not with open flowers yet. I found it in very steep terrain close to the top of Skand (Skand). Here the goats seemed to have been unable to destroy the vegetation, so it was exceptionally dense and varied.

Libinhania rosulata – as a tree!

Libinhania rosulata is a cushion plant, but appears here to be a small tree! This is deceptive as as closer look reveals it’s two species, where the libinhania rosulata is growing atop a dead and unknown species. How the libinhania rosulata has been able to grow for so long atop another plant is really interesting […]

Hypericum scopulorum

Never in my entire life have I seen hypericum grow as dense and tall shrubs as on top of Socotra (Skand)! I was mesmerized by the abundance of plants and flowers, and also relieved that goats leave at least this species alone. Endemic.

Convolvulus sarmentosus

Resembles Convolvulus sarmentosus, but its petals are rounded outwards opposed to this one which are flattened and pointing inwards at the mid-nerve of the petals.

Micromeria remota

I wish I had a week on top of Socotra as there are so incredibly many magnificent plants species and many grow only on Socotra! This was the only specimen I could find on Skand (Skand), but with more days I’m certain I would have found magnificent specimens if I could have climbed where goats […]

Libinhania rosulata

With or without flowers, I find this plant really beautiful as it spreads out over the rocks of Socotras highest peaks. This was one of very few with inflorescences – on the very highest mountain of Socotra – Skand. Endemic.

Coelocarpum haggierensis

This species grows to the size of small trees, and this one is just a few meters from the highest point of Socotra – Skand (or Skand). Endemic

Hypericum balfourii

When I suddenly stood in front of a hypericum tree, my heart jumped an extra beat and I jumped towards it in awe to make sure I did not hallucinate! This plant is close to 3 meters tall and is not only endangered due to it’s endemism and very limited range but must be of […]

Lavandula nimmoi

To find Lavender on Socotra was not expected, and my mindset was on this being an invasive or at least non-endemic species. But endemic it is! Again most were completely eaten by goats, but I managed to find one that was partly intact, with at least one inflorescence. Endemic.

Dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari)

The unmistakable silhouette of the most famous of all plant species on Socotra. I stayed here for two nights, and what an amazing place – a forest of dragon blood trees! It’s like being in Jurassic park without the dinosaurs!

Heliotropium nigricans

All specimens of this species were heavily grazed by goats, so I was very happy to find this plant which had intact and healthy growth. Endemic.

Tamarix nilotica

An incredible plant growing to small trees here in Stera of south Socotra. Earlier this morning I saw “bleeding” on the trunks and branches of these plants, and realized it was water. I thought it was moisture caught during the night. It was as salt as it gets! These plants stand tall and strong here […]

Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum

A huge trunk with seemingly feeble branches – what a strange plant indeed. This adaptation means it can grow tender and mist leaves at any time – even at the height of the dry season. The trunk stores plenty of moisture for many lean times. Endemic

Socotra plant 22

I found this species on the scorching hot plain at sea level in the north by the road to Dixam, as well as higher up on around 800 meters elevation. Please help me identify it – leave a comment 🙂

Leucas virgata

I found very few with flowers, and only this one with a health flower and intact foliage. All plants were stunted due to heavy grazing by goats. Endemic.

Adiantum balfourii

Right outside Hoq cave in the northeast of Socotra I found many plant species benefiting from the water dripping from the cave, orchids and ferns like this one. further away from the opening and the drought is way underway with most plants now drooping or already completely crisp and dried.

Dirichletia obovata

For me the trail to the Hoq cave was so much more interesting than the cave itself, as here you’ll see incredible specimens of so many endemic species like the dirichletia obovata which I did not encounter elsewhere during my 14 day journey throughout the island.

Exacum affine

These were located alongside the stream between the dunes of Arher in the north of Socotra. Endemic.

Helichrysum sp

Resembles helichrysum gracilipes, but I’ve not found documentation on a wide variation on the inflorescence or leaves – only color variation of pink to white flowers. This one has a symmetrical flower, opposed to asymmetrical or zygomorphic in gracilipes, and leaf-tip (on stem) is pointed, opposed to rounded on gracilipes Please help me identify it […]

Libinhania gracilipes

A slender and fragile plant with flowers I’m surprised were not eaten by the goats. I found it on my way to Hoq cave – quite close to the opening, so moisture was still available for the plants to complete flowering.

Zygophyllum qatarense

A variable species I encountered on several coastal locales. This is not far from the Arher sand dunes in the north-east.

Limonium paulayanum

A very hardy plant that I found commonly in the Arher area in the north-east where it grows close to the ocean and thus the salt. Endemic.

Socotra plant 21

Yet another species in the fabaceae family and quite common too. This is from the Arher sea-side in the north-east. Please help me identify it – leave a comment.

Dirichletia virgata

I had to look far and wide to find a plant with flowers, as they all seemed past their prime flowering season, but at least I did find this one which also had health leaves, albeit on a stunted plant due to the goats! Endemic.

Cyperus conglomeratus

This is high up on one of the dunes in Arher on the northeast coast of Socotra. This was the only one of its species here, and it has survived change in a way that’s quite remarkable. For one this place is sandblasted for months, during which this is not a place even for humans. […]

Heliotropium socotranum

Found widespread on and around the Arher sand dunes and varies between all white or yellow or something in between. It resembles H. wagneri and H. shoabense, but the two have a very limited range.

Arabian Jointed Glasswort (Suaeda vermiculata)

The sand dunes of Erissel – the Socotra east cape – have some very specialized plants thriving in the wind-swept sand. This species was in some places growing in dense mats. This location is windswept and hot, with only rain or brackish water available, but this is a specialist.

Atriplex farinosa (Chenopodiaceae)

The sand dunes of Erissel – the Socotra east cape – have some very specialized plants thriving in the wind-swept sand. This species was in some places growing so dense that it seemed like a silvery thicket. This location is windswept and hot, with only rain or brackish water available, but this is a specialist […]

Kohautia socotrana

This flower of this species is so elusive! I found one flower, and marked the spot so I would find it when I returned with my camera. Alas! I did not find it. It’s color is very similar to the ground in which it grows, and it’s so slender and skinny that even fully opened […]

Haya obovata

The most beautiful stage of this species, as when it’s fully grown it’s rather spindly and easily overlooked. Found near the Arher sand dunes. Endemic.

Trachyspermum pimpinelloides

The specimens I found close to the beach were small and early in their development of inflorescences, which is perhaps the most beautiful stage of any plant.

Wonderboom Fig (Ficus salicifolia)

Like so many plant species on Socotra, this species can get a foothold on bare rock!

Cucumis prophetarum

The entirety of this cucumber plant is really fascinating, and I’ve never seen it before. This is likely Cucumis prophetarum ssp dissectum, as it is more lobed than the Cucumis prophetarum ssp prophetarum

Corbichonia decumbens

This one I found on the riverside of Kalesan gorge, which means it must endure flash floods – impressive!

Cryptolepis socotrana

I found this species only in this location during my two week stay on Socotra. It grows in a crack in the rock face of the Kalesan gorge – out of reach for the goats and thus protected. But come the annual monsoons and it will be in a torrent of water and debris grinding […]

Cryptolepis socotrana

Phyllanthus maderaspatensis

I found this species on dry riverbeds.

Acridocarpus socotranus

I found this species in only one place, on the most inaccessible sheer cliffs alongside a river gorge – not even the goats can destroy this one! The inflorescence here is flat, flowers radiating outwards due to the unfavorable conditions here. The inflorescence is normally up to 10 centimeters long or more. See here for […]

Croton socotranus

Perhaps the most common shrub on Socotra. In many places it dominates the landscape with forest-like growth, reaching several meters tall. It varies in appearance from shrubs with small leaves to small trees with larger leaves. White bark is another variation found in higher altitudes. While traveling around the island you’ll find this species in […]

Aloe perryi

It’s amazing how localized the rain and climate is on this island, and when it comes to this species I was about to give up, as all were long past blooming season, and none had any sign of stalks. Except this one on my way to the dragon blood tree forest. It had flowers and […]

Kalanchoe farinacea

I found several plants of this species, but only this one with vital flowers and with really beautiful leaves. It stands on the bare face of a rock overlooking a river valley (Wadi Kalesan) in the northeast of Socotra. Endemic.

Lachnocapsa spathulata

Very soft to the touch. In addition the hairs reflect sunlight, perhaps to significantly reduce water evaporation and overheating during growth. Endemic.

Caralluma socotrana

This plant is one of many interesting species I found in a very small area in a valley at 320 meters altitude. A river runs through on the valley floor, supporting lots of more water demanding species, but just a few meters up the mountain slopes a rocky a harsher environment with lots of plant […]

Euphorbia spiralis

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