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 had made the grasses grow as well. As the goats prefer grasses, they will first empty the land of the grasses before they move on to herbs and other plants.
This meant that there was a limited area by the vertical cliffs where all the plant species were in their most lush and vibrant stage.
There are 3 similar species of geranium found on Socotra:
G mascatense
G trilophum
G biuncinatum
To distinguish them the best and most certain method is to look at the shape of the mericarp (seed).
It is also found in Eritrea, Arabia, Somalia, Sudan.
Elevation: 360 meters.
Last updated on 10 March 2023
