| Plumbago socotrana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Plumbaginaceae |
| Genus: | Plumbago |
| Species: | P. socotrana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Plumbago socotrana Balf.f. ined.
| |
| Synonyms[2][1] | |
| |
Plumbago socotrana (synonym Dyerophytum socotranum) is a small shrub growing up to 2m tall, rather glaucous and covered in white mealy powder. It has yellow flowers.
Habitat[edit]
Plumbago socotrana is endemic to Socotra (Yemen). It lives in dry habitats on limestone cliffs, boulders and wadis from 30 to 650 meters elevation.[1]
Uses[edit]
The mineral coating on the Plumbago socotrana 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.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ Plumbago socotrana (Balf.f.) ined. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ G. Miller, Anthony; Morris, Miranda (1988). Plants of Dhofar. Oman. p. 228. ISBN 071570808-2.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)