Aloe jeppeae
Aloe jeppeae
Overview
Aloe jeppeae is an acaulescent herbaceous perennial with an oval underground organ and often forms clumps. Its narrow greyish-green leaves are conspicuously and strongly contorted. [1]
Key characteristics
Growth form
Acaulescent, with an oval underground organ; often clump-forming. [1]
Leaves
Greyish-green narrow leaves are strongly contorted and have minute marginal teeth. [1]
Leaf surface
Upper surface canaliculate throughout and unspotted; lower surface convex and spotted, especially toward the base. [1]
Inflorescence
The inflorescence is simple; erect flowers are spirally arranged towards the tip. [1]
Flowers
The perianth is tubular and decurved, and the flowers are described as reddish-brown. [1]
Fruit and seed
The fruit is a conical trilocular capsule; the seeds are black and shortly winged. [1]
Distribution
It is distributed in Free State and Northern Provinces. [2]
Habitat
The species is recorded on sandy soils in central and southern Free State. [1]
Diagnostic features
The protologue compares it with Chortolirion angolense and C. tenuifolium and distinguishes it by its broader, strongly contorted leaves and its often clump-forming habit. [1]
Scientific name and synonyms
Type specimen and type locality
The type was collected near Bloemfontein airport in Free State on 24 April 2009 by G.P.J. Fritz (1025), with the holotype at PRE. [1]
Taxonomic treatment
WCVP treats Aloe jeppeae as an accepted species. [2]
Epithet origin
The basionym epithet latifolium means “broad-leaved”, referring to the broader leaves relative to other Chortolirion species. [1]
References
- Zonneveld, B.J.M. & Fritz, G.P.J. (2010). Three species accepted in Chortolirion Berger (Xanthorrhoeaceae: Asphodeloideae). Bradleya 28: 27–36.
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
- Klopper, R.R., Smith, G.F., Figueiredo, E., Grace, O.M. & van Wyk, A.E. (2013). The correct names for species of Aloe sect. Chortolirion (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae). Taxon 62. DOI: 10.12705/626.5. DOI