Aloe compressa var. schistophila

Overview

Aloe compressa var. schistophila is an accepted variety of A. compressa characterized by tightly compressed leaves and marginal teeth that are nearly confluent. It is recorded from Madagascar. [1] [2]

Key characteristics

Leaves

The leaves are tightly compressed. [2]

Leaf margin

The marginal teeth are so closely set that they are nearly confluent. [2]

Inflorescence

The raceme is 4 cm long and 4 cm wide. [2]

Flowers

The perianth is reddish. [2]

Distribution

It is distributed in Madagascar. [1]

Scientific name and synonyms

Note on differing treatments: Jean-Bernard Castillon and Jean-Philippe Castillon (2010) questioned whether the material commonly called schistophila around Itremo corresponds to Perrier's account of var. schistophila. This database follows the held current WCVP accepted name while keeping the differing source circumscriptions explicit. [3]
Classification and nomenclature: Accepted as Aloe compressa var. schistophila, a variety of A. compressa; published in 1926 in Mém. Soc. Linn. Normandie, Bot. 1(1): 34. [1] [2]

Parent taxon: Aloe compressa
Sibling variety: Aloe compressa var. compressa
Sibling variety: Aloe compressa var. paucituberculata

Type specimen and type locality

Carter et al. (2011) treat it as known from the type locality and widespread in the high Itremo Mountains. [1] [2] [3]

Taxonomic treatment

WCVP treats Aloe compressa var. schistophila as an accepted variety. [3]

Epithet origin

The epithet schistophila refers to its preference for schistose rocks, from Greek schistos (schist rock) and phylos (friend). [4]

References

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 227–228.
Castillon, J.-B. & Castillon, J.-P. (2010). Les Aloe de Madagascar / The Aloe of Madagascar. J.-P. Castillon. 400 pp.
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. 40.