DENDROSICYOS SOCOTRANUS

This monoecious member of the Cucurbitaceae family was described by Isaac Bayley Balfour in 1882. It is only found in Oman and on Socotra, and is the only tree in the Cucurbitaceae family. It grows in a very well drained soil, containing quite a lot limestone, with little water and lots of sun. It will grow to six meters in height and one metre in diameter. The flowers are yellow, and there are both male- and female flowers on each plant, and it can self-fertilize, but it is not possible to reproduce by cuttings.

The genera n ame means: Tree cucumber, the species name indicate it is from Socotra. SubFamily: Cucurbitoideae, Tribe: Melothrieae Photo by Dr. Tony Miller, Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburgh. Wild plants by Prasadkotian, Powo.science.kew.org.