Although the unique flora of the Socotra Archipelago with its high
degree of endemism has received much attention recently, little
information is available on the vegetation and related ecological
aspects. Based on their extensive field experience of the region, the
authors have assimilated a vast amount of knowledge to produce this
book, which gives a detailed insight into the plant ecology of Socotra,
designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. The book is
divided into seven chapters. After a brief introduction and overviews of
important abiotic features, various aspects of the vascular flora are
presented in Chapter 4, together with accounts of the bryophyte and
lichen flora. Ecology and adaptive strategies of the plants are dealt
with in Chapter 5, and Chapter 6 gives a concise description of the main
vegetation units. Finally, important management issues of the vegetation
are discussed, an essential topic to ensure preservation of the natural
heritage of the archipelago.