Aloe trachyticola var. multifolia
Aloe trachyticola var. multifolia
Overview
Aloe trachyticola var. multifolia is an accepted variety native to Central Madagascar. It bears numerous leaves and often becomes rosulate from a juvenile distichous arrangement. [1] [2] [3]
Key characteristics
Leaves
Leaves are numerous; they are distichous when juvenile and later often twist into a rosette. The upper leaf surface is described as without thorns. [2] [3]
Leaf margin
The leaf margins are described as red, with small marginal teeth that are quite well spaced. [2] [3]
Inflorescence
The inflorescence is branched; the source describes variation in branching, and it may reach up to five times the leaf length. [3]
Distribution
It is distributed in Madagascar. [1]
Habitat
Sources report a preference for herbaceous soils over rocky places, while the type-locality account records granite outcrops. [2] [4]
Scientific name and synonyms
- Accepted name
- Aloe trachyticola var. multifolia J.-B.Castillon [1]
- Parent taxon
- Sibling variety
Type specimen and type locality
A 2011 source reports the type locality/specimen as Madagascar, Antananarivo Province, south-east of Antsirabe, Castillon 7 (P). [4] [5]
Taxonomic treatment
WCVP treats Aloe trachyticola var. multifolia as an accepted variety. [1]
Epithet origin
The epithet multifolia refers to the numerous leaves, from Latin multi- (many) and -folia (leaved). [5]
References
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
- Castillon, J.-B. & Castillon, J.-P. (2010). Les Aloe de Madagascar / The Aloe of Madagascar. J.-P. Castillon. 400 pp.
- Castillon, J.-B. (2013). Two new subspecies of Aloe from central Madagascar, and further observations on Aloe trachyticola. CactusWorld 31(1): 45–51.
- Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- 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. 154.