This is one of several endemic plant species that is threatened with extinction on Socotra. The main threat is the huge numbers of goats, and their never ending need for grasses and other plants when the grasses are exhausted. If the goats are not enough, the climate change has resulted in extremely destructive cyclones – […]
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.
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 […]
Inconspicuous but commonly found in sandy plains of the coast and further inland. This is the first I’ve found with flowers. It is found throughout much of Africa, Iran, Irak and Pakistan.
I was here exactly 8 years ago – 6 February 2015. There is quite a bit more water now, perhaps 1,5 to 2 meters deeper. There are few signs of the powerful cyclones Chapala and Megh that followed after my visit in 2015 and the following years. But I did not see any of the […]
Socotra is home to least 8 endemic species of Boswellia, which is a spectacular feat! They are incredible survivalists and most of them cling to bare rock as this one is, halfway into a shallow cave. The foliage is lush and is a clear sign of recent rains. Yet it is perhaps their flowers that […]
I was here exactly 8 years ago – 6 February 2015. There is quite a bit more water now, perhaps 1,5 to 2 meters deeper. The sand-washed, very bright surfaces are looking the same as in 2015. Perhaps reaching a bit further away from the water now. During a cyclone or wet winter, the water […]
A specialist that thrives in the cracks of vertical cliffs around waterways. Their roots find their way deep down the cracks and find what they need to survive. As they are out of reach for the goats on the vertical cliff faces, they are common in the canyons and grow to their full potential, which […]
I was here exactly 8 years ago – 6 February 2015. There is quite a bit more water now, perhaps 1,5 to 2 meters deeper. The sand-washed, very bright surfaces are looking the same as in 2015. Perhaps reaching a bit further away from the water now. During a cyclone or wet winter, the water […]
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 tide where I encountered this red-eyed reef crab (Eriphia smithii).
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 but had a brief encounter of the marine life during low tide here at Dihamri. This particular coral species was growing in very shallow water and as […]
A very variable species with leaves ranging from linear, as seen here, to oblong or broadly obovate. It has been untouched by the goats and is growing in a veritable herbal garden next to the tall cliffs of the northeastern Socotra. This was an unexpected joy to experience as it is very rare to find […]
Most of the Dirichletia obovatas I encountered were past their flowering, but this one had a few sweet scented tubes remaining. I can only imagine their scent filling the air at the height of flowering. Endemic. Elevation: 490 meters.
A vertical cliff specialist! Getting up close to one of these is for the most part difficult to impossible, as is the case here. They are often found in groups where you’ll see them ranging from tiny seedlings to fully mature giants. During the dry season it could easily be mistaken for the Socotra bottle […]
If you are near a vertical cliff and see lots of Socotra bottle trees (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum) you should take a closer look, as they could be the Socotran fig. During the dry season it could easily be mistaken for the Socotra bottle tree (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum), but when with leaves they are […]
A vertical cliff specialist! Getting up close to one of these is for the most part difficult to impossible, as is the case here. They are often found in groups, as seen here, where you’ll see them ranging from tiny seedlings to fully mature giants. During the dry season it could easily be mistaken for […]
Lavandula nimmoi is a favorite of the goats of Socotra, so why is this one seemingly untouched? The winter rains of this season were good and have ensured plenty of juicy grasses, which is the the top choice of the Socotri goat. As soon as the grasses are exhausted they will start picking their next […]
My first encounter of this species on Socotra, near the plateau above the cliffs of Hoq. The goats have easy access to this individual and have browsed it in the past. Fortunately there is plenty of grasses so far this year, which might provide time enough for it to grow flowers. As this was the […]
A beautiful specimen, untouched by goats and growing to its full potential and one day filled with inflorescences. The vertical cliffs of Socotra are safe havens for many species that otherwise would have been browsed by the goats, leaving their growth stunted and the species almost unrecognizable. According to A G Miller and M Morris […]
As I neared the plateau the shade of the otherwise imposing Hoq cliffs of north eastern Socotra, the landscape opened up and the sun reached the ground in full force, yet this evergreen Aden currybush thrives at this location and was in full bloom. Elevation: 452 meters. Endemic.
A beautiful specimen, untouched by goats and seemingly at its full potential. The vertical cliffs of Socotra are safe havens for many species that otherwise would have been browsed by the goats, leaving their growth stunted and the species almost unrecognizable. According to A G Miller and M Morris this is a species restricted to […]
A beautiful specimen of Oldenlandia balfourii, at its full potential. Usually the species is gobbled up by the goats, but at the time I visited there was still plenty of grasses to eat. Only when they have exhausted the stock of grasses will they find their next favourite species on their list. Adding to this, […]
There are 3 similar Geranium species found on Socotra: G mascatense G trilophum G biuncinatum This observation has a flower with a white centre, opposed to dark in Geranium biuncinatum and mascatense. Furthermore, this observation has what seems a mercicarp stuck in images 3 and 4 (ejected from the mature pod to the right in […]
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.
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 […]
A very young individual, with very little reserves to lean on as the moisture withdraws. The leaves turn autumn red and wither, leaving an inconspicuous plant in wait for the next trigger to continue its growth to a giant. It grows very little per year. Compared to the mature giants of the species (reaching over […]
I’ve noticed this species much less frequently than those of the Socotra Mabuya (Trachylepis socotrana) and Socotra Rock Gecko (Pristurus sokotranus). At each encounter I found them on the shady side of tree trunks, where they observed my presence diligently. Endemic.
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 […]
Found widespread around Socotra where there are shady and moist places, but I’ve seen it most commonly around the vertical cliffs of the northeastern Socotra. It will wither without sufficient moisture and wait for the return of the winter rains to start anew. It’s also found in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan Elevation: 422 meters.
This specimen of Oldenlandia balfourii is growing alongside the fern Adiantum balfourii, and appears vital and at its full potential. Unfortunately it bears the scars of the ever present goats, but as there is still plenty of grasses it has not been completely decimated. Endemic. Elevation: 422 meters
Due to the very high numbers of goats on Socotra, many endemic and already endangered species have just one last option for survival – the vertical cliffs! For those species specializing on growing in these harsh conditions this is their normal habitat, but for those that normally would thrive on the ground, but find a […]
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 […]
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 one of several individuals growing in close proximity. The fruits are rounded-elliptic and flattened, with broad wings, a distinct feature of this species. […]
A beautiful specimen, untouched by goats and seemingly at its full potential. The vertical cliffs of Socotra are safe havens for many species that otherwise would have been browsed by the goats, leaving their growth stunted and the species almost unrecognizable. According to A G Miller and M Morris this is a species restricted to […]
A large, lush and vital specimen of this species as it is growing out of reach for the goats. I’ve encountered it in rocky slopes where they are browsed by the goats, and never seen a specimen this large and vital. The vertical cliffs of Socotra are a safe heaven for many plant species that […]
The vertical cliffs of Socotra are very important safe havens for many plant species on Socotra as there they are safe from goats. Thus they are able to grow and disperse seeds. Unfortunately this individual was growing within reach for the goats, and as a result it has been thoroughly browsed. There are a few […]
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 […]
The bitter tomato is found throughout Socotra, from sea-level to well above 700 meters. Found in most of Africa, Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and India Elevation: 388 meters.
This specimen looks similar to ballochia rotundifolia, seen here, but the habit is quite different. This one is tall, perhaps 150 cm tall, with few branches, opposed to ballochia rotundifolia’s almost mat-forming growth with its dense network of branches. It rarely grows taller than half a meter when not browsed by goats. Goats do come […]
Easily distinguished from croton socotranus by the large leaves Elevation: 393 meters. Endemic.
A very healthy specimen of polycarpaea paulayana. It is growing near the Hoq cave of the northeastern coast of Socotra, and has very little sunlight, but plenty of water so it is unclear if it would have a different habit and appearance if under the open sky. Elevation: 400 meters. Endemic.
Looks similar to Paraerva revoluta, but stems and leaves are glabrous (without hairs), opposed to P revoluta where stems and leaves have woolly hairs or short matted hairs – see this observation. Furthermore P revoluta is normally found on granite slopes of the Hagghier mountains, this is at 389 m elevation on limestone cliff. Endemic.
I encountered this one close to a vertical cliff that blocks the sun for many months of the year where only the early morning rays reach the ground. In addition to the protective shade the cliff is a source of water seeping from crack and in many places constantly dripping to the ground. This perfect […]
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, […]
The endemic Socotra Mabuya and the Socotra Rock Gecko (Pristurus sokotranus) are species commonly seen in the same landscape throughout Socotra.
This parasitic plant is found throughout Socotra, from sea-level and up to about 700 meters. This is individual growing on the slopes below the Hoq cave. It is found throughout Africa, Arabia, Pakistan and India . Elevation: 133 meters.
The diversity of life on Socotra is incredible and the plant species endemic to the island rivals that of the Galapagos islands. A whopping 37% of Socotra’s around 830 plant species are endemic – they exist nowhere else in the world. When it comes to land snails it is even more incredible. A staggering 95% […]
This parasitic plant is found throughout Socotra, from sea-level and up to about 700 meters. This observation is from the slopes below the Hoq cave. It is found throughout Africa, Arabia, Pakistan and India . Elevation: 132 meters.
A species with winding and twisting branches, with smooth, grey bark. Found throughout woodlands of Socotra up to near 1000 meter elevation. This tree was home to a large colony of bark snails (Achatinelloides). Endemic.
I encountered this species in two locations. Only this one was in its prime, albeit the smallest. It is also found in eastern Africa, Arabia to India.
I encountered two individuals of this species near each other here in Erissel, Socotra’s east-cape. This is my first and only encounter of the species so far on Socotra. It is found in dry vegetation areas in Africa, throughout the Arabian peninsula to India.
These towers are made by the male Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan). The crabs are found on the coast throughout Socotra, but they are only able to make these castles where the tides do not regularly reach. Here in Erissel they dig deep to reach the wet sands, and thus these towers reach pretty […]
Erissel is the easternmost point of Socotra. It is a windswept low-lying area governed by the elements. During cyclones the wind and sea wreak havoc on the landscape here, reshaping everything. Only the hardiest of plants and animals thrive here. The Red Sea ghost crab is well adapted to these changing conditions and in most […]
The north-facing beach of the tip of Erissel is wide and deep, with a large part only tasting the waves during monsoons. This is perfect conditions for the male Red Sea ghost crabs, as they can create these towers undisturbed by the tides and waves. The crabs only have to deal with the effects of […]
These towers are made by the male Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan). The crabs are found on the coast throughout Socotra, but they are only able to make these castles where the tides do not regularly reach. Here in Erissel they dig deep to reach the wet sands, and thus these towers reach pretty […]
Erissel – the east-cape of Socotra, is the only place I have encountered this species. It’s a specialist that is able to thrive in the windswept and salty environment nearest to the ocean. It is a colony of plants in different stages of growth and age, ranging from deeply reds and oranges, to vibrant waxy […]
Erissel is the only place on Socotra (so far) I have encountered this species. It grows as a small colony in the sand dunes and I have not seen any signs of it spreading outwards (since I was here in 2015). Instead I found it to have shrunk somewhat, likely due to the severe cyclones […]
A really old individual holding on to life in harsh conditions, compared to the lush, vibrant and large specimens found in sands of Arher. Also found in mainland Arabia.
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. A veritable garden! Endemic.
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. This specimens has the appearance of a long life, with signs of old, […]
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. A veritable garden! Endemic.
This species 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 ocean. The water droplets seen in image 2 is not fog or rain, but brine, excreted from the plant.
This species 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 leaves. Also found in mainland Arabia.
As several other species this one is growing to its full potential here, in and by the sand dunes of Arher.
This is the only place I’ve encountered this species on Socotra. It thrives here in the shadow of the tall cliffs and finds moisture from the water seeping out from cracks in the cliffs.
A healthy specimen soon in bloom. I found many of this species around the Arher sand dunes where they were all untouched by goats, as they still had plenty of grasses due to the good winter rains this year. It resembles Paraerva revoluta, but differs in that the stems and leaves are glabrous (no hairs), […]
A vibrant and healthy specimen of this grass species found in the sands of Arher. Many species found elsewhere on Socotra grow to their full potential by the sand dunes of Archer as there is seepage of water and shadow from the tall cliffs here. Native range is north east Africa, Arabia, Pakistan and India.
The largest specimen I have come across of this species so far. It’s clearly enjoying excellent growing conditions in the shadow of the Archer cliffs.
A a slender but healthy specimen of this grass species found in the sands of Arher. Many species found elsewhere on Socotra grow to their full potential by the sand dunes of Archer as there is seepage of water and shadow from the tall cliffs here. It’s also found in north east Africa, Arabia, Pakistan […]
This species quite variable, both in size and morphology. By the dunes of Arher you will find the largest specimens, like this one, which is also in bloom. The tiny white flowers are not easy to see, but it is worth sticking your nose up close as they have a delightfully sweet scent. As the […]
My first encounter of this species on Socotra. Unfortunately I was a few days late for the blossom. It is found scattered where the Arher sand dunes meet the sea. It is also found in eastern Africa, Arabia to India.
A Boswellia elongata clinging onto a cliff wall. It is a ground dwelling species, but where there’s a rule there’s an exception. It is one of 8 or more species of boswellia found on Socotra. Endemic. Elevation: 250 meters. Find more details about this species dating back to the 1950s. Read more about the challenges […]
A beautiful specimen, untouched by goats and in full bloom. The weeks after good winter rains are spectacular on Socotra, as the plants are so vibrant and grow to their potential. No droopy or stunted growth. No withering. Just life to its fullest! It is a common species and all my encounters were blooming. Endemic.
An individual with just a few fresh flowers to show for so far this season, but if you look carefully you might find another individual not far away abundant with flowers, or none at all. That is how unpredictable life is on Socotra. Endemic.
Not far from here I encountered a large colony of vibrant Aloe perryis without a single inflorescence. Here an equally vibrant, albeit smaller colony, is in full swing of producing inflorescences – with branches! This is typical of Socotra, where very local conditions manifest very different stages in growth, flowering and fruiting. Endemic.
Socotra is full of extraordinary geological features, and when water is in the mix it is even more spectacular. Here the layers of cascading rock gives the appearance of running water, or even ice forming in a waterfall. Without the people in the mix the scale of the place would not have been easy to […]
This was a lovely encounter as they were so relaxed and unprovoked by my presence. They are not endemic to Socotra and are as such not a threatened species. It sounds like this:
This is a species that is commonly found wherever there is water. Even though this individual appears to be growing straight of of the face of the rock, it has set root in a crack that water seeps through for an extended time after the winter rains. This one is in its absolute prime, and […]
A species found growing in cracks of vertical walls on boulders and cliffs. The leaves are spiny and unpleasant to the touch unless you’re careful. It has white flowers, but I did not encounter a single individual in bloom, unfortunately. Endemic.
Although much of Socotra appears bone dry, the island is like a huge water reservoir. First and foremost the Haghier mountains are rainmakers in their own right, but whenever the is rain, the water flows through millions of cracks in the ground. Some flow to underground aquifers, others appear as seepage in mountain and canyon […]
This is a species I only encountered in a limited area, where it was abundant. It specializes in growing in cracks of vertical walls on boulders and cliffs. The leaves are spiny and unpleasant to the touch unless you’re careful. The lower individual was carrying fruits as well as two white flowers. The one above […]
When photographing species that are specializing a life in vertical cliffs it’s a relief when they are accessible from the ground, as is the case here. This is the plant I was photographing.
The Persian carpet flower can be quite difficult to find as many grow under the protection of a shrub, as this one is. But it is also found out in the open, where it is easily spotted when in bloom. The flowers are very large! Unfortunately I did not find one in bloom during this […]
The Persian carpet flower can be quite difficult to find as many grow under the protection of a shrub, as this one is. But it is also found out in the open, where it is easily spotted when in bloom. The flowers are very large! Unfortunately I did not find one in bloom during this […]
The lush plain of Homhil is an amazingly beautiful sight as it is as short-lived state. In some years the winter rains are meager and sparse, resulting in stunted and short-lived growth before the Homhil plain is but a dusty and lifeless place. Some of the plant species are inconspicuous and easily missed due to […]
I encountered many of this species in Homil, but very few with flowers. Its long spines makes somewhat unpleasant to handle, but the goats finds it very palatable until it sets fruit. It is not endemic to Socotra but common throughout neighboring countries and beyond.
My first observation of this species on Socotra. I found it near the creek on the northern end of the Homhil plain. It is found in the Horn of Africa. Elevation: 355 meters.
A species commonly seen in in rocky places and plains below around 700 meters elevation. Endemic. Elevation: 348 meters.
A common species seen from sea-level to 700-800 meters elevation. During this visit I found them in bloom in all the locations I encountered them. They are found with flowers in white, blue or a mix of the two, as this one. Elevation: 349 meters. Endemic.
There is a short window of opportunity for many of the plant species on Socotra that are most sensitive to the winter rains for growth and blossom. For one this is the time the goats have plenty of grasses, and as such leave a species like this one alone long enough for it to reach […]
The moon, two days to full, hanging above the crown of an old and damaged Boswellia elongata in Homhil. This is one of very few remaining trees of what was once a forest of Boswellia elongata. It is a sad state, and the future is uncertain. The damage to the crown is from past cyclones, […]
This is Homhil at its most beautiful – green and vibrant after the winter rains. Unfortunately this is but a faint echo of past glory, when the land was in fact a forest of Boswellia elongata. The distance between each tree is huge, compared to what it should be, and once was. Only photos from […]
This is Homhil at its most beautiful – green and vibrant after the winter rains. Unfortunately this is but a faint echo of past glory, when the land was in fact a forest of Boswellia elongata. The dead wood in the foreground is a fallen member of this forest, and in the background one that […]
This is Homhil at its most beautiful – green and vibrant after the winter rains. Unfortunately this is but a faint echo of past glory, when the land was in fact a forest of Boswellia elongata. The distance between each tree is huge, compared to what it should be, and once was. Only photos from […]
This is the crown of one of very few remaining trees of what once was a forest of Boswellia elongata her in Homhil. This is a mature tree (they live to little more than 100 years), reaching the end of its life, and thus Homhil will have one less seed disperser to secure the future […]
This is Homhil at its most beautiful – green and vibrant after the winter rains. Unfortunately this is but a faint echo of past glory, when the land was in fact a forest of Boswellia elongata. The distance between each tree is huge, compared to what it should be, and once was. Only photos from […]