Abd Al Kuri Research Articles

Parrotfishes (Teleostei: Labridae: Scarini) of the Socotra Archipelago: Diversity and distributional biogeography, including a range extension of Scarus zufar Randall & Hoover, 1995.

An updated account of the diversity of parrotfishes from the Socotra Archipelago is provided. Fourteen species are positively recorded based on underwater observations, photography and collections, including confirmations of three species which were previously only tentatively recorded: Scarus falcipinnis(Playfair, 1868), Scarus scaber Valenciennes, 1840 and Scarus tricolorBleeker, 1847. The distribution of Scarus zufar Randall & Hoover, 1995, previously known only from coastal waters of southern Oman, Pakistan and Bangladesh, is extended to the Archipelago, with Abd al-Kuri Island representing the westernmost edge of its known range. Visual records of three additional species are yet to be documented. With 1417species the Archipelago approximates the modal richness range of 1518 species for Arabian ecoregions. A species account, accompanied by photographs, provides distinctive characters, distribution details in the Arabian region, and general remarks for each species. The distributional biogeography of the family pertinent to the Socotra Archipelago and the Arabian region is analysed in the context of the Western Indian Ocean. Three main Arabian units are identified: A Red Sea unit spans the combined Red Sea ecoregions and the western Gulf of Aden; a Socotra unit covers south-eastern Arabia including the Archipelago, the eastern Gulf of Aden and southern Oman; and a Gulf unit combines the Arabian/Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and putatively central Oman. These units form a discrete pan-Arabian cluster within the wider Western Indian Ocean. The Socotra unit resembles more strongly the Gulf unit than the Red Sea unit. Parrotfishes thus contrast overall distributional patterns of reef fishes in Arabia.

Seasonal M2 Internal Tides in the Arabian Sea

Internal tides play a crucial role in ocean mixing. To explore the seasonal features of mode-1 M2 internal tides in the Arabian Sea, we analyzed their propagation and energy distribution using along-track sea-level anomaly data collected by satellite altimeters. We identified four primary source regions of internal tides: Abd al Kuri Island, the Carlsberg Ridge, the northeastern Arabian Sea, and the Maldive Islands. The baroclinic signals that originate from Abd al Kuri Island propagate meridionally, whereas those originating from the west coast of India propagate southwestward. The strength and energy flux of the internal tides in the Arabian Sea exhibit significant seasonal and spatial variability. The internal tides generated during winter are more energetic and can propagate further than those generated in summer. Doppler shifting and horizontal variations in stratification can explain the differences in the internal tides’ seasonal distributions.

Notes on batoid fishes of the Socotra Archipelago (north-western Indian Ocean), with four new records.

The species composition of batoid fishes from coastal waters of the Socotra Archipelago is reviewed, with confirmed records of the wedgefish Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Forsskål, 1775) and four new records of sharkrays, wedgefishes, and guitarfishes based on collected specimens, including one species from Abd al-Kuri Island, Rhina ancylostoma Bloch Schneider, 1801 (Rhinidae), and three species from the main island Socotra, Acroteriobatus salalah (Randall Compagno, 1995) and Rhinobatos punctifer Compagno Randall, 1987 (Rhinobatidae), and Rhynchobatus australiae Whitley, 1939 (Rhinidae). Among the new records for the Socotra Archipelago, R. australiae represents the first verified record for the Arabian region. In addition, records of four stingray species (Dasyatidae) are verified based on underwater observations accompanied with photographs. All recorded batoid fishes are commercial species caught in the local small-scale fishery. Information on the identification and distribution of each species is provided.

First record of Meganthias natalensis (Actinopterygii: Serranidae: Anthiadinae) from the Socotra Archipelago (north-western Indian Ocean), with notes on Odontanthias and Sacura

The anthiadine fish Meganthias natalensis (Fowler, 1925) is reported for the first time from the Socotra Archipelago based on a single female specimen of 27.5 cm standard length taken by hook-and-line off Abd al-Kuri Island at a depth of 100–120 m. The voucher specimen represents a substantial northern extension of the distributional range for the species and the first record for the Arabian region. A description of the specimen is provided and the distribution of the species in the Western Indian Ocean is summarized. The mitochondrial COI sequence matched vouchered Meganthias natalensis sequences from South Africa, confirming the species identification. A phenetic tree of COI sequences of available species of the genera Meganthias, Odontanthias, and Sacura is presented. It shows that the species form well-separated monophyletic lineages and the tree implies that the nominal genera Odontanthias and Sacura are paraphyletic and in need of a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis.

Coastal fish diversity of the Socotra Archipelago, Yemen.

The Socotra Archipelago, located in the eastern Gulf of Aden, has a unique marine environment which combines tropical and 'pseudo-temperate' elements. Studies on the fish biogeography of the archipelago, partially framed in regional studies, have substantially outpaced critical elementary research on the archipelago's fish diversity. The present study seeks to close this gap and identifies the Socotra Archipelago as a major hotspot of coastal fish diversity in the Indian Ocean. The archipelago supports unique coastal fish assemblages which are predominantly composed of coral-associated ("reef") species, in spite of the limited biogenic reef frameworks. A Preliminary Checklist comprises 682 species with confirmed records and a "Working List" includes an additional 51 records, totalling 733 faunal records in 108 families. The family Labridae is the most speciose, followed by Gobiidae, Pomacentridae, Serranidae and Chaetodontidae. The species richness of the archipelago is the highest when compared to adjacent Arabian ecoregions. The richness of the Acanthuridae, Chaetodontidae, Labridae, Pomacentridae and Pseudochromidae stand out as particularily high, and the richness of several families is as high as or higher than in the entire Red Sea. The total archipelagic richness is extrapolated at up to 875 species based on incidence-based richness models and expert opinion. Inshore fish inventories, covering 497 species, found between 14 and 132 species per site (x̄ = 66). Site diversity decreased across the archipelago from west to east and from north to south. Total fish diversity was highest around Socotra Island, followed by Abd al-Kuri Kal Farun and Darsa Samha. Occurrence frequencies were very unevenly distributed and dominated by Pomacentrus caeruleus and Thalassoma lunare, whilst many species were infrequent. The fish assemblages are dominated by species from the Indo-West Pacific and the north-western Indian Ocean. The assemblages are rich in rare species and hybrids, and include a low number of endemics (4-5), and a high number of species with far-reaching and Western Indian Ocean ranges.

Biogeography of Mesalina (Reptilia: Lacertidae), with special emphasis on the Mesalina adramitana group from Arabia and the Socotra Archipelago

The lacertid lizards of the genus Mesalina inhabit the arid regions of the Old World, from North Africa to NW India. Of the 19 recognized species within the genus, eleven occur in Arabia. In this study, we explore the genetic variability and phylogeographic patterns of the less studied M. adramitana group from southern Arabia and the Socotra Archipelago within the phylogenetic and biogeographic context of the entire genus. Our unprecedented sampling extends the distribution ranges of most Mesalina species and, for the first time, sequences of M. ayunensis are included in a phylogenetic analysis. We perform analyses of concatenated multilocus datasets and species trees, conduct species delimitation analyses, and estimate divergence times within a biogeographic framework. Additionally, we inferred the environmental suitability and identified dispersal corridors through which gene flow is enabled within M. adramitana. Our results show that the Socotra Archipelago was colonized approximately 7 Mya by a single oversea colonization from mainland Arabia. Then, an intra-archipelago dispersal event that occurred approximately 5 Mya resulted in the speciation between M. balfouri, endemic to Socotra, Samha and Darsa Islands, and M. kuri, endemic to Abd al Kuri Island. Similar to previous studies, we uncovered high levels of genetic diversity within the M. adramitana species-group, with two highly divergent lineages of M. adramitana living in allopatry and adapted to locally specific climatic conditions that necessitate further investigation.

An integrative study of island diversification: Insights from the endemic Haemodracon geckos of the Socotra Archipelago

The Socotra Archipelago in the Arabian Sea is considered one of the most geo-politically isolated landforms on earth and a center of endemism. The archipelago is located at the western edge of the Indian Ocean and comprises four islands: Socotra, Darsa, Samha, and Abd al Kuri. Here we provide an integrative study on Haemodracon geckos, the sole genus of geckos strictly endemic to the archipelago. The sympatric distribution of Haemodracon riebeckii and H. trachyrhinus on Socotra Island provides a unique opportunity to explore evolutionary relationships and speciation patterns, examining the interplay between possible sympatric and allopatric scenarios. We used molecular data for phylogenetic inference, species delimitation analyses, and to infer the diversification timeframe. Multivariate statistics were used to analyze morphological data. Ecological comparisons were explored for macro-niches using species distribution models and observations were used for micro-habitat use. Haemodracon species exhibit great levels of intraspecific genetic diversity. Our calibration estimates revealed that Haemodracon diverged from its closest relative, the mainland genus Asaccus, in the Eocene, before the detachment of the archipelago. The two Haemodracon species diversified in situ on Socotra Island during the Middle Miocene, after the archipelago’s isolation, into the two reciprocally monophyletic recognized species. Their divergence is associated mostly with remarkable body size differences and micro-habitat segregation, with low levels of climatic and body shape divergences within their sympatric distributions. These results display how ecological, sympatric speciation, and allopatric speciation followed by secondary contact, may both have varying roles at different evolutionary phases.

New species and new distributional data on Carabidae (Coleoptera) from the Socotra Archipelago

Abstract Three new species of carabid beetles of the tribe Lebiini are described: Glycia socotrana sp. nov., previously mentioned as Glycia cf. spencei (Gistel, 1838), from Socotra Island and Abd al Kuri Island; Apristus dioscoridus sp. nov. and Mesolestes niger sp. nov., both from Socotra Island. Acupalpus (Stenolophidius) posticalis (Putzeys, 1880), Harpalus (Cryptophonus) tenebrosus Dejean, 1829, and Metadromius sp. are recorded from the Socotra Archipelago for the first time. In addition, new distributional data from Socotra are given for several other carabid species.

Stygobiont polychaetes: notes on the morphology and the origins of groundwater <italic>Namanereis</italic> (Annelida: Nereididae: Namanereidinae), with a description of two new species

More than half of the species in Namanereis Chamberlin, 1919 (Nereididae: Namanereidinae), are adapted to life in subterranean waters. We document the taxonomy, distribution, and adaptations of the groundwater-inhabiting species in this genus for the first time, starting from the description of two new stygobitic species. The first, Namanereis pilbarensis sp. nov. from water-table carbonate deposits in the Pilbara region of north-west Australia, is representing the first record of a stygobitic polychaete from Australia, and the second, Namanereis socotrensis sp. nov., from karstic groundwater on Socotra Island (Yemen) is the second stygobitic Namanereis species from Socotra. Troglomorphic adaptations observed include the absence (or reduction) of eyes and cuticular pigment, and cirriform appendages of the head, parapodia, and pygidium that are all considerably longer than in their marine counterparts. The chaetae and jaws differ in some groundwater species but not others, so the troglomorphic nature of these features is less certain. Remarkably, the two species of the Socotra Archipelago (Namanereis gesae Fiege & Van Damme, 2002, from Abd al Kuri and the new species) seem to derive from different ancestors, respectively single terminal tooth and bifid tooth-jawed lineages. Based on the jaw morphologies, we suggest that the groundwater polychaetes of this genus might not have entered groundwater from freshwater/anchialine habitats during a single colonization event, as previously suggested, but at different times. Different geographical origins of two groups of species (Gondwanan and Tethyan) are suggested based on recent distribution patterns. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London

Stygobiont polychaetes: notes on the morphology and the origins of groundwaterNamanereis(Annelida: Nereididae: Namanereidinae), with a description of two new species

More than half of the species in Namanereis Chamberlin, 1919 (Nereididae: Namanereidinae), are adapted to life in subterranean waters. We document the taxonomy, distribution, and adaptations of the groundwater-inhabiting species in this genus for the first time, starting from the description of two new stygobitic species. The first, Namanereis pilbarensis sp. nov. from water-table carbonate deposits in the Pilbara region of north-west Australia, is representing the first record of a stygobitic polychaete from Australia, and the second, Namanereis socotrensis sp. nov., from karstic groundwater on Socotra Island (Yemen) is the second stygobitic Namanereis species from Socotra. Troglomorphic adaptations observed include the absence (or reduction) of eyes and cuticular pigment, and cirriform appendages of the head, parapodia, and pygidium that are all considerably longer than in their marine counterparts. The chaetae and jaws differ in some groundwater species but not others, so the troglomorphic nature of these features is less certain. Remarkably, the two species of the Socotra Archipelago (Namanereis gesae Fiege & Van Damme, 2002, from Abd al Kuri and the new species) seem to derive from different ancestors, respectively single terminal tooth and bifid tooth-jawed lineages. Based on the jaw morphologies, we suggest that the groundwater polychaetes of this genus might not have entered groundwater from freshwater/anchialine habitats during a single colonization event, as previously suggested, but at different times. Different geographical origins of two groups of species (Gondwanan and Tethyan) are suggested based on recent distribution patterns. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London

Geological And Morphological Evolution of The Socotra Archipelago (Yemen) from the Biogeographical View

Abstract Some misunderstandings persist in the biological literature, concerning the geological evolution of the Socotra Archipelago. The aim of this paper is to interpret new information about the Gulf of Aden geology, from the view of possible methods of terrestrial biota species migration to the Socotra Islands. An overview of the Socotra Platform with the Socotra Archipelago topography is given. Present-day geological publications are mostly oriented towards tectonic structure of the Gulf and its tectonic evolution, and thus information concerning the elevation of the land surface and the sea level was necessary to deduce. The first biogeographically relevant emergence of a land mass in the area of present-day Socotra Archipelago commenced during the late Eocene Epoch (38-34 Ma BP). Some islands persisted after later transgressions of the sea, before the time of the opening of the Gulf of Aden rift (ca 20-17 Ma), accompanied by substantial uplift and large-scale uplift of the land. This was the last time when terrestrial biota could, relatively easily, reach the area of the Socotra Archipelago on land from the African mainland, and also with medium probability from present-day Arabia. The total evaporation of the Red Sea from 11-5 Ma BP enabled the migration of terrestrial species from and to Arabia via Somalia. Nevertheless, channels in Guardafui and Brothers basins made important, but perhaps nonfatal, barriers. The last and most important uplift of Haggier Mts. on Socotra occurred at the end of the Miocene Epoch (9-6 Ma BP). That was probably the time of the last Tertiary emergence of the Socotra Platform, potentially enabling some species to migrate across narrowed abovementioned channels. Great changes in sea level occurred during the Quaternary Period, periodically exposing the surface of the Socotra platform. Two channels persisted, preventing the invasion of modern species onto the Socotra Archipelago. Channels within the Brothers basin between Abd al-Kuri Isl. and other islands of the Archipelago formed some barriers to dispersal, and probably led to important biota differences in the scope of the Archipelago. Finally, a scenario of the “facilitation” provided by tsunami and sea currents for the immigration of biota onto the Archipelago is presented.

A new Ingolfiellid (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Ingolfiellidae) from an anchialine pool on Abd al Kuri Island, Socotra Archipelago, Yemen

Ingolfiella arganoi sp. n. from Abd al Kuri Island in the Arabian Sea is described from two specimens, a male and a female. The western shore of the Indian Ocean was hitherto a vacant spot in the distribution of circumtropical shallow marine interstitial ingolfiellids and therefore the location of the new species fills a meaningful gap in the geography of the family. Morphologically, the new species shows close affinities with Ingolfiella xarifae from the Maldives.

Origin and in situ diversification in Hemidactylus geckos of the Socotra Archipelago

The Socotra Archipelago is an ancient continental fragment of Gondwanan origin and one of the most isolated landforms on Earth and a biodiversity hot spot. Yet, the biogeography and evolutionary history of its endemic fauna still remain largely overlooked. We investigate the origin, tempo and mode of diversification in the Hemidactylus geckos of the Socotra Archipelago. Concatenated and multilocus species coalescent analyses of Hemidactylus from Arabia and North Africa indicate that the Hemidactylus from Socotra do not form a monophyletic group and branch as three independent and well-supported clades instead. Both the chronogram inferred using the gene tree approach of BEAST and the age-calibrated multilocus species tree obtained using *BEAST suggest that the origin of Hemidactylus from Socotra may have involved a first vicariance event that occurred in the Early Miocene, followed by two independent transoceanic dispersal events that occurred more recently, during the Pliocene. Within Socotra, we analysed patterns of genetic diversity, the phylogeography and the demographic history in all seven nonintroduced species of Hemidactylus. Results based on two mitochondrial and two nuclear loci from 144 individuals revealed complex patterns of within-island diversification and high levels of intra-species genetic divergence. The interplay of both historical and ecological factors seems to have a role in the speciation process of this group of geckos. Interestingly, the case of H. forbesii and H. oxyrhinus, which inhabit the island of Abd al Kuri with an area of 133 km(2), may represent one of the most extreme cases of intra-island speciation in reptiles ever reported.

Forgotten in the ocean: systematics, biogeography and evolution of the Trachylepis skinks of the Socotra Archipelago

Sindaco, R., Metallinou, M., Pupin, F., Fasola, M. & Carranza, S. (2012). Forgotten in the ocean: systematics, biogeography and evolution of the Trachylepis skinks of the Socotra Archipelago. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 346–362.The Socotra Archipelago, in the north‐west Indian Ocean, is considered to be one of the most remote and most biodiversity rich and distinct islands in the world. Often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Natural site in 2008. Despite having a very rich and bizarre fauna and flora with a high level of endemicity at both species and generic levels, the taxonomy of most of the groups is still not clear, and their origin and evolution remain unknown. Reptiles constitute the most relevant vertebrate fauna of the Socotra Archipelago, with 90% of the 30 species and 45% of the 12 genera being found nowhere else in the world. The skinks of the endemic species Trachylepis socotrana are the only reptile species in the Archipelago distributed across all four islands (Socotra, Darsa, Samha and Abd Al Kuri). Although the species is very well known from Socotra Island, it was not discovered on Samha until 1999 and on Darsa until 2000, whereas only a few citations and one single Museum specimen exist for the population from Abd Al Kuri. To clarify the systematics, biogeography and evolution of Trachylepis socotrana, we assembled a dataset for Mabuya sensu lato including 904 base pairs (bp) of sequence (392 bp from the 12S and 512 from the 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes) for 115 individuals, including specimens of T. socotrana from all four island populations, numerous representatives of the genus Trachylepis from the Middle East, Africa and Madagascar, plus some individuals from each of the other three genera of Mabuya sensu lato (Chioninia, Eutropis and Mabuya). The results of the phylogenetic analyses indicate that, contrary to what was previously thought, members of the genus Trachylepis have colonized the Socotra Archipelago in two independent events, with the first giving rise to the populations from Socotra, Samha and Darsa and the second to the Trachylepis from Abd Al Kuri Island. According to the calibrations, both colonization events occurred within the last fourteen million years, when the Socotra Archipelago had already drifted away from Arabia, thus ruling out vicariance. Both morphological and genetic data show that the Trachylepis from Abd Al Kuri is a distinct taxon, which is herein described as a new species belonging to the T. brevicollis species complex. On the basis of this evidence, the terrestrial herpetofauna from Abd Al Kuri is composed exclusively of endemic species (one of which, the gecko Pristurus abdelkuri, was introduced into some parts of Socotra).

Annotated checklist and distribution of the Socotran Archipelago Herpetofauna (Reptilia)

We update the knowledge on the 30 terrestrial reptile species of Socotra, an archipelago well known for its highly endemic flora and fauna. We use the records obtained during several surveys throughout all the islands of the archipelago, carried out between 2007 and 2010, as well as the bibliographic records. We recorded all the known species of terrestrial reptiles for the islands (Chamaeleo monachus, Haemodracon riebeckii, Haemodracon trachyrhinus, Hemidactylus dracaenacolus, H. granti, H. homoeolepis, H. flaviviridis, H. forbesi, H. inintellectus, H. oxyrhinus, H. robustus, H. pumilio, Pristurus abdelkuri, P. guichardi, P. obsti, P. insignoides, P. insignis, P. sokotranus, P. samhaensis, Mesalina balfouri, M. kuri, Hakaria simonyi, Trachylepis socotrana, Pachycalamus brevis, Leptotyphlops filiformis, L. macrurus, L. wilsoni, Typhlops socotranus, Ditypophis vivax, Hemerophis socotrae). We report for the first time the occurrence of Hemidactylus robustus in Samha Island. H. homoeolepis is excluded from the fauna of Abd al-Kuri Island.

Additions to the avifauna of Socotra and Abd Al-Kuri, with notes on the occurrence of some resident and migrant species

Additions to the avifauna of Socotra and Abd Al-Kuri, with notes on the occurrence of some resident and migrant species

The Cretaceous sequence stratigraphy of the Socotran platform, the Republic of Yemen

Outcrop studies combined with subsurface seismic and well data enable a detailed sequence stratigraphic analysis of the Socotran Platform during the Cretaceous. Palaeogeographic reconstructions for the Barremian-Aptian (Qishn Formation), Albian-Cenomanian (Fartaq Formation) and Maastrichtian (Sharwayn Formation) are presented. The palaeogeographic maps have been constrained by data from outcrop studies on Socotra and the adjacent islands of Samhah and Abd Al Kuri, as well as the Samhah-1A well which lies 60 km to the southwest of Samhah Island. Two major sequences can be recognised in the Qishn Formation, and can be further subdivided into systems tracts. An Upper Qishn highstand systems tract has been identified on a north-south seismic line with coastline-parallel facies belts. An interpretation of the reservoir facies and porosity development of the highstand systems tract is attempted using the good quality seismic data in the Socotran Platform. Three major sequences can be recognised in the Fartaq Formation and one in the Sharwayn Formation which are illustrated on a second east-west seismic line.

Taxonomy and biogeography of Gymnocarpos (Caryophyllaceae)

The circumscription of Gymnocarpos (Caryophyllaceae) is extended to include the genus Lochia. Eight species are recognized: G. decandrus in the Canary Islands, northern Africa and southwestern Asia, G. parvibractus in Somalia, G. argenteus and G. mahranus in the mainland of Yemen, G. dhofarensis in Yemen and Oman, G. rotundifolius in Oman, G. kuriensis on Abd al-Kuri and Socotra, and G. bracteatus on Socotra. A phylogenetic analysis of Gymnocarpos is presented and the biogeography of the genus is discussed. The analysis suggests that G. mahranus and G. parvibractus, and G. kuriensis and G. rotundifolius, are pairs of vicarious sister species. G. argenteus, G. dhofarensis, G. mahranus and G. rotundifolius are species new to science. New combinations are G. bracteatus, G. kuriensis and G. parvibractus. G. decandrus is lectotypified. G. przewalskii, a species from China and Mongolia, is excluded from Gymnocarpos and would probably best be treated as a genus of its own.

Currents and transports of the Great Whirl‐Socotra Gyre system during the summer monsoon, August 1993

From August 11 to 22, 1993, a conductivity‐temperature‐depth/acoustic Doppler current profiler survey was carried out in the Somali‐Socotra region to investigate currents and transports associated with the Great Whirl and Socotra Gyre circulation during the height of the summer monsoon. The monsoon circulation was confined to the upper 300 m depth, with intense surface currents up to 2.2 m s−1 in the Great Whirl and up to 1.4 m s−1 in the Socotra Gyre. Deeper‐reaching flow was found in the northwestern part of the Somali Basin and in the passage between the shelf of Somalia and Abd al Kuri. The Great Whirl transport was 58 Sv, of which nearly 25% were due to ageostrophic flow components. The northern part of the Great Whirl thereby appeared as a closed circulation cell in which the offshore transport was balanced by a southward transport of the same magnitude. Upwelled water was advected from the cold wedge of the upwelling regime at the Somali coast along the edge of the gyre. The water in the center of the gyre had the characteristics of Indian Equatorial Water (IEW). The Socotra Gyre carried 23 Sv of modified Arabian Sea Water (ASW). With the transports in the two anticyclonic gyres nearly balanced, the exchange of water masses between the Somali Basin, west of the Carlsberg Ridge, and the Arabian Sea occurred in two areas; about 16 Sv of warm and saline surface water of southern offshore origin entered the northern Somali Basin within a 120‐km‐wide swift current between the Great Whirl and the Socotra Gyre. The other key region for the exchange of water masses was the passage between Somalia and Abd al Kuri. There, the total northward transport was 13 Sv, with contributions of IEW, of upwelled water close to the surface, and ASW underneath.

Two New Species of Polycarpaea (Caryophyllaceae) from Somalia

For some years now, material of some very striking cushion-forming plants has been accumulating at the end of the Caryophyllaceae, in both the Kew Herbarium and the East African Herbarium in Nairobi, in folders marked '?gen. nov.?'. These have much-branched woody stems covered with subulate leaves and with tiny pedunculate inflorescences. They were re-examined in the course of preparing an account of the Caryophyllaceae for the Flora of Ethiopia and it became clear that they had many features in common with some species of Polycarpaea, most notably P. spicata Wight ex Arn. and the very remarkable Limonium-like P. kuriensis Wagner, known only from the island of Abd al Kuri near Socotra.