This is the tallest specimen I’ve encountered on Socotra so far, and it appears very old, with considerable parts dead from past droughts. It has both flowers and seeds. The seeds are winged, like those of maple trees.
This species is easily recognized when in fruit or bloom, by the racemes of yellow flowers and fruits. The stalk of the inflorescence (peduncle) is reddish and densely hairy. When none of the two are present or the plant is young, it might be a bit more challenging to recognize it. However, the evergreen and leathery and veiny leaves are quite distinct for this species.
I have also found that young plants in sub-optimal conditions will sometimes produce a flat inflorescence where each flower is radiating outwards instead of upwards.
This individual is found at 712 meter elevation, in Firhmin Forest.
Endemic
Last updated on 11 March 2023
