Origin and Habitat: Sterculia africana ssp. socotrana is one of the more characteristic species of the coastal plains and low inland hills of Socotra. The vegetation consist of open deciduous shrubland dominated by the endemic Croton socotranus and scattered trees of Euphorbia arbuscula, Dendrosicyos socotranus, and Ziziphus spina-christi. Grasses and herbs develop after sufficient rainfall. The most widespread vegetation type is a distinctive species-rich open shrubland found on the coastal foothills and the limestone escarpments. Two endemics, Croton socotranus and Jatropha unicostata, are the main shrubs present and are the most abundant plants on Socotra. Succulent trees, such as Euphorbia arbuscula, Dracaena cinnabari, and Adenium obesum spp. socotranum and emergent trees, such as Boswellia spp., Sterculia africana ssp. socotrana, and Commiphora spp. are also present (Davis et al. 1994). The largest of the trees of the region is Sterculia africana ssp. Socotrana.

• Sterculia africana subs. socotrana (K.Schum.) Abedin et al.
• Sterculia triphaca var. socotrana K.Schum.

• Sterculia africana subs. socotrana (K.Schum.) Abedin et al.
• Sterculia triphaca var. socotrana K.Schum.

• Sterculia africana (Lour.) Fiori
• Sterculia triphaca R.Br.
• Triphaca africana Lour.
• Sterculia guerichii K.Schum.

Description: Sterculia africana ssp. socotrana is a morphological form endemic to Socotra island not easily distinguishable from Sterculia africana (ssp. africana) if not for the geographical provenance. The leaves are glabrous, lobate far apart from each other. Typical of this pachycaul tree is the plate-shaped peeling bark of the barrel-shaped trunk and main branches.

Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Davis, S.D., V.H. Heywood, and A.C. Hamilton (eds.).“Centres of plant diversity. Vol 1: Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia and the Middle East”. World Wide Fund for Nature and IUCN, Oxford, UK. 354 pp. 1994.
2) Bulletin du Jardin botanique de l'état, Bruxelles, Volume 29 Jardin botanique de l'état., 1959
3) Wolf gang Wranik “SOKOTRA Mensch und Natur” 1999