Aloe rapanarivoi

Overview

Aloe rapanarivoi is a solitary aloe found around Antsahabe in Madagascar. It is usually stemless, but may develop a creeping stem in undergrowth. [1] [2] [3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

It is solitary and non-suckering, and is usually stemless. In woody areas or undergrowth it may develop a stem. [1] [2]

Leaves

The numerous leaves are narrowly triangular and grey-blue or blue-red. The lower leaves spread outward, while the others are erect and sometimes folded inward. [1] [2]

Inflorescence

The tall inflorescence is freely branched and bears nearly capitate racemes. [1] [2]

Flowers

The perianth is cylindrical with an inflated base, and the flowers range from yellow to red. [1] [2]

Distribution

It is recorded around Antsahabe in Madagascar at 500–800 m. [1] [2] [4]

Habitat

It grows around Antsahabe at 500–800 m. It is usually stemless, but may develop a creeping stem in undergrowth or woody areas. [1] [2]

Scientific name and synonyms

Accepted name: Aloe rapanarivoi J.-P.Castillon [3]
Publication: Int. Cact. Advent. 81: 18 (2009) [3]

Type specimen and type locality

The type specimen is J.-B. Castillon 39, collected on 30 August 2007 (holotype TAN). [1]

Taxonomic treatment

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

Epithet origin

The epithet honours S.H.J. Rapanarivo. [5]

References

Castillon, J.-P. (2009). Description of two new taxa in the genus Aloe (Asphodelaceae) from Madagascar. Cactus-Aventures International 81: 18.
Castillon, J.-B. & Castillon, J.-P. (2010). Les Aloe de Madagascar / The Aloe of Madagascar. J.-P. Castillon. 400 pp.
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.
Grace, O.M., Klopper, R.R., Figueiredo, E. & Smith, G.F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.