Socotra: Sterculia africana

[JasonD]

The biggest tree species on Socotra (I was told) is Sterculia africana var socotrana. We saw a beautiful one with smooth, patchy bark reminiscent of a Corymbia maculata, spotted gum. Leaves are shaped like maple.

The species is also native to the mainland of Africa. We didn't see the flowers. They look cool, with reddish stripes against fuzzy greenish-colored petals.

Have you grown this or any Sterculia species?

[Tracy]

On 4/1/2022 at 3:52 PM, JasonD said:

The biggest tree species on Socotra (I was told) is Sterculia africana var socotrana. We saw a beautiful one with smooth, patchy bark reminiscent of a Corymbia maculata, spotted gum. Leaves are shaped like maple.

The species is also native to the mainland of Africa. We didn't see the flowers. They look cool, with reddish stripes against fuzzy greenish-colored petals.

Have you grown this or any Sterculia species?

Haven't grown any Sterculia but they look like they would appreciate the conditions in some of the SW United States based on habitat photos you have shared. I was surprised that the largest tree wasn't Draceana cinnabari which is one of the plants I always think of when I hear of Socotra Island, along with the Ficus "socotrana" which has since been demoted as a species and lumped in with Ficus vasta.  Keep sharing more from your trip.  Since most of us only know of a few species from the island, I'm sure we will all can get an education seeing photos from your adventure.