Aloe camperi

Overview

Aloe camperi is a succulent shrub branching from the base, with erect or ascending stems and sometimes forming groups. The crowded, rosulate leaves are triangular, recurved, and dark green or brownish. Its branched inflorescences bear cylindrical racemes, with yellow, orange or scarlet flowers. [1] [2]

Key characteristics

Growth form

A succulent shrub branching at the base. The stems are erect or ascending, and plants sometimes form groups. [1] [2]

Leaves

The leaves are crowded and rosulate, triangular, recurved and canaliculate. [1] [2]

Leaf surface

The leaves are dark green or brownish and are often spotted, especially towards the base. [1]

Leaf margin

The leaf margins are reddish and toothed. [2] [1]

Inflorescence

The inflorescence is branched, with cylindrical, densely flowered racemes. [1] [2]

Flowers

The floral bracts are triangular-ovate and the perianth is clavate. Flowers are yellow, orange or scarlet, and the outer tepals are free apically. [1] [2]

Distribution

It is distributed in Eritrea, Ethiopia and Sudan-South Sudan. [3]

Habitat

It is reported from rocky slopes and sandy alluvial plains along the eastern escarpment. [1]

Diagnostic features

It is distinguished from related species in northern Ethiopia by a clavate perianth and small floral bracts. [1]

Scientific name and synonyms

Accepted name: Aloe camperi Schweinf. [3]
Taxonomic status: Accepted (Species) [3]
Synonyms: Aloe albopicta A.Berger; Aloe eru A.Berger; Aloe eru var. cornuta A.Berger [3] [4] [1]
Intraspecific variation: It is described as a polymorphic, very variable species. [1] [2]

Type specimen and type locality

A later source also reports that the species was described in 1894 from type material collected near Ghinda in Eritrea. [1] [4]

Taxonomic treatment

WCVP treats Aloe camperi as an accepted species. [3]

Epithet origin

The epithet camperi is reported to honour Manfredo Camperio; The Aloe Names Book gives the surname as Camperi. [1] [4]

References

Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal, I. (2010). Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd ed.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 621.
World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
Grace, O.M., Klopper, R.R., Figueiredo, E. & Smith, G.F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. p. 29.