Tragia balfourii
Endemic.
Tag Archives: Dirhur
Angkalanthus oligophylla
This is an inconspicuous plant when not in bloom. This specimen has been hit severely by the insatiable and ever present goats, but has been able to generate new growth after the winter rains. It is now a race against time and available water, as it could be eaten by the goats before it can […]
Garden Harlequin (Eulophia petersii)
The vertical walls of Dirhur canyon is the only place I’ve found Eulophia petersii. This is a very healthy colony with old inflorescences to show for. Judging by the growth and withered inflorescenes it is not flowering annually. Last winter rains provided plenty of water that should have sparked infloresences, but I found none underway. […]
Vernonia unicata
A tree that is thriving in a crack in the wall of Dirhur canyon of Socotra. My first and only encounter of this rare species. Endemic.
Polycarpaea hayoides
My first encounter with this species on Socotra, one that thrives in even the smallest of cracks in the canyon walls. Here it is in the shade most of the day and has access to water seepage for an extended time after the winter rains. Elevation: 335 meters. Endemic.
Plocama puberula
My first encounter of this species. It’s growing in a crack of the wall of Dirhur canyon, where it is accessing water seepage that lasts long after the winter rains. Hopefully I will encounter one in bloom (white flowers) during my next visit. Elevation: 335 meters.
Perry’s Aloe (Aloe perryi)
A common species on Socotra, and you’ll likely see them in all vegetative stages ranging from in severely lack of water to huge, branched inflorescences. They thrive in dry and flat or gently sloped areas, but are also found on vertical cliffs as seen here. Endemic. Elevation: 334 meters.
Garden Harlequin (Eulophia petersii)
The walls of Socotra’s Dirhur canyon provide opportunities for many species taking advantage of the opportunities presented in this precipitous environment. The pros are long lasting water seepage through the many cracks in the wall and being out of reach for the goats. The cons are none to very little soil and ability to expand, […]
Acridocarpus socotranus
A vibrant and healthy specimen with access to water throughout the year as it is on the banks of the Dirhur canyon where water flows all year. It has survived one of the deadliest of cyclones in 2015, which ravaged Dirhur and changed the landscape by the enormous amount of water that pushed huge boulders […]