At first glance, those familiar with the tsingy limestone formations in Madagascar may think that the plant pictured is Pachypodium decaryi, a denizen of the Ankarana reserve in the north of the island. However, such geological formations are not confined to that region and occur on all continents, often in association with remarkable cave or sinkhole features. They also provide protected habitats for plants that are able to survive their otherwise harsh appearance. As a result, many plant species have evolved to take advantage of these rocks, from the already-mentioned tsingy to the limestone pavements in Britain and mogotes in Cuba. This particular plant is a different island endemic, Adenium socotranum, photographed by John Lavranos in 2000. It is growing on the north side of the famous Hamaderoh range on the Isle of Socotra, on the way to Ras Momi. Only time will tell whether the place this youngster has grown in will allow it to grow to the size this species is capable of.