The name "hesperia" as a sp. prov.; was proposed by Thulin (2020) but without proper description (or type). The name was formally published by Thulin et al. (2025).

Boswellia hesperia is an endemic of Socotra Island (Yemen), where it occurs on limestone plateaus and cliffs in sparse dry, semi-deciduous woodland in the most southwestern part of the island, at an altitude of 389–413 m. It is a very rare dwarf species, a provisional species only described on photographs by Thulin (2020). Originally it was considered by Miller and Morris (2004) and Lvončík et al. (2013) as a dwarf prostrate form of Boswellia popoviana; further taxonomical investigation is necessary to assess the validity of the taxon.

The distribution, threats and number of (mature) individuals of Boswellia hesperia in the wild was determined in detail during surveys in 2020–2023 by local Socotri and external specialists (Mendel University, La Sapienza, Ghent University) through a Franklinia-funded Boswellia project (Maděra et al. 2022, 2024). Currently there are only three localities known for this taxon, corresponding to two-three small stands, respectively with 273, 57, and four specimens. The AOO and EOO is 16 km² and all subpopulations occur in a single threat-defined location.

As this plant has a dwarf habit with similar colour as the largely inaccessible rocks, growing often in crevices (and the leaves are small), it is easily overlooked and there is a high probability to find more individuals on the vast southwestern plateaus. We estimate the (accessible) population to be about 1,000 individuals, but more can be present in inaccessible areas. The population trend is not known, because only one locality was mentioned by Miller and Morris (2004), and more were found during our recent field assessments. Most likely it is also affected by goat browsing, as we observed overgrazing in all of the areas where it occurs. It is directly threatened by overgrazing, climate change effects and collection by succulent collectors, as we were informed of such illegal collectors looking exactly for this species in Socotra during our field missions (however, it is unknown to which extent the export of specimens is happening).

The species is assessed as Critically Endangered due to its very small distribution area in a single location, continuing decline is caused by overgrazing, climate change and illegal collection

This taxon is endemic to a very limited area in one of the southwestern plateaus of Socotra Island (Yemen). The AOO of Boswellia hesperia is 16 km² and the EOO is  16 km² (estimated as 10 km²). It is not found beyond this area, however, according to some (Miller and Morris 2004) this could be a dwarf form of B. popoviana.

Recent detailed surveys in Socotra in 2020–2023 (Franklinia Boswellia Project) revealed three stands which have been inventoried for this taxon in the southwestern part of Socotra Island, with respectively 273, 57 and four individuals known. However, this small plant is very hard to find, and the population size could be larger, estimated at c. 500 individuals in accessible areas, but more could be present in inaccessible areas (cliffs). Population trend is not known, but overgrazing which occurs in the area, climate effects, and collection by succulent collectors may lead to a future decline.

Small prostrate dwarf shrub growing on limestone rocks and cliffs (often in cracks or just at the side of stones) with a white-grey stem and glabrous leaves. Flowering in March–June (flowers creamy to reddish). Found at an altitude of 389–413 m.

The endemic Boswellia species of Socotra are subjected to general challenges to the archipelago’s terrestrial biodiversity as discussed in Van Damme and Banfield (2011), Madĕra and Van Damme (2022), Attorre and Van Damme (2020) and in the Boswellia-specific threats assessment by Madĕra et al. (2024). The threats to Boswellia hesperia have been assessed in detail in situ in 2020–2023 (Franklinia Project team; Madĕra et al. 2022, 2024). The most common recorded current threats for B. hesperia include goat grazing in all localities, climate effects (landslides, droughts) and illegal collection by succulent collectors.

There is no ethnobotanical use for this plant in the areas where it occurs, which are mostly hardly accessible. It is, however, being illegally collected by succulent collectors and appears in the international market.

Conservation efforts for Boswellia hesperia (and other Boswellia in the Socotra Archipelago) started in 2020 under the Franklinia Project for Socotra, including the establishment of local nurseries, awareness, local seed germination and reforestation. One Boswellia hesperia sanctuary in Roqeb di Bijahan has been established in 2023 by the exclusion of grazing through fencing. This reforestation area was realised within the natural distributional range of these subpopulations, as part of the project supported by the Franklinia Foundation (implemented by local teams in coordination with a consortium of Mendel, Sapienza and Ghent Universities and in cooperation with the local authority EPA and local communities). Further conservation action should include the protection of its natural habitat (a small area), awareness, but also countermeasures against illegal collection.