#apccynaceae

On Socrota Island, Yemen, a number of very unique members of Asclepiadoideae can be found as well as other highly unique endemic plants; which makes this island a must see to many people who are wishing to study sympatric speciation and endemics. With that in mind, Duvaliandra dioscoridis, is one such endemic that can be found. It’s niche is highly specialized and requires specific climate to survive. Found only on the South-South West facing outcrops of granite on the central “wet” mountain/plateau  requiring very low winter water and a temp minimum of 15 degrees Celsius at a specific altitude as well as frequent need for sun makes it’s habitat highly unique; because of this and because of “enthusiast’s” need/wish for collecting such plants for aesthetics alone and lack of researching care it’s numbers have dwindled and is considered critically endangered. However, propagation knowledge as well as cultivation care are being well researched still to provide a more beneficial future( may be relatively self explanatory). 

Side notes: Duvaliandra dioscoridis was previously placed within’ the genus Caralluma for a brief period of time based on viewing Phenotypical characteristics and similarities that are displayed between the two. However, research done by utilizing out-grouping characteristics point out that these morphological constructs are relatively convergent and Orbea prognatha or Duvalia sulcata seem to be the closest relatives when looking more closely at deriving factors and it’s unique coronal elements.  

Photographed by: Bounounouk Be

via. - Socrota Endemics- and Asclepiadaceae forum/FB 

Piaranthus geminatus