Bayley Balfour proceeded to Socotra early in 1880, accompanied by Mr. A. Scott, a gardener, and joined at Aden by Lieut. Cockburn, for the purpose of investigating the natural history of the island.

Socotra's unique flora has been attracting botanists since the 19th century and, more recently, European pharmaceutical companies. Frank Gardner / BBC The rare, endemic Socotra Bunting, Emberiza ...