Dyerophytum socotranum
Dyerophytum socotranum is a small shrub growing up to 2m tall, rather glaucous and covered in white mealy powder. It has yellow flowers.
| Dyerophytum socotranum | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Plumbaginaceae |
| Genus: | Dyerophytum |
| Species: | D. socotranum |
| Binomial name | |
| Dyerophytum socotranum (Gibs. ex Wight) Kutze | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Dyerophytum indicum var. socotrana | |
Habitat
Dyerophytum socotranum is endemic to Socotra (Yemen). It lives in dry habitats on limestone cliffs, boulders and wadis up to an altitude of 30–650m.[1]
Uses
The mineral coating on the Dyerophytum socotranum was an important saline browse for livestock, especially the camels of the mountains and plains areas as well as providing a substitute for salt used during cooking.
The dried stem of the plant was also sliced into thin shavings and smoked as a tobacco, usually for medicinal reasons to treat chest conditions and breathing difficulties.
The older, tougher stems were also traditionally used in Dhofar for building bird traps, used mainly to capture partridges. The birds were attracted to the traps by the bait of scattered grain.[2]
References
- Miller, A. (2004). "Dyerophytum socotranum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T37863A10077443. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T37863A10077443.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- G. Miller, Anthony; Morris, Miranda (1988). Plants of Dhofar. Oman. p. 228. ISBN 071570808-2.
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