Aloe alfredii

Overview

Aloe alfredii is a small, suckering aloe recorded from Mt Ibity in central Madagascar, although the reliability of the locality record has been questioned in the literature. [1]

Key characteristics

Growth form

It suckers to form small groups, with erect stems at least 25 cm tall and up to 1.5 cm thick. [1]

Leaves

The numerous linear leaves are 30 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, ascending at first and later spreading horizontally, and are dark dull green. [1]

Inflorescence

The simple inflorescence is 60 cm tall. Its cylindrical raceme is 8–10 cm long, 5–6 cm wide and subdensely flowered. [1]

Flowers

The perianth is lemon-yellow with green mid-nerves to the lobes, 20 mm long, cylindrical and slightly curved. [1]

Distribution

Recorded from quartz fields at 1,400 m on Mt Ibity, south of Antsirabé in Antananarivo Province, Madagascar; however, the locality record requires further investigation. [1]

Habitat

It is recorded from quartz fields at 1,400 m on Mt Ibity south of Antsirabé. The literature also suggests that the locality record may have been confused and requires further investigation. [1]

Scientific name and synonyms

Accepted name: Aloe alfredii Rauh

Taxonomic treatment

WCVP treats Aloe alfredii as an accepted species.

Epithet origin

The epithet alfredii honours Alfred Razafindratsira, a Madagascan plant collector and nursery owner. [2]

References

Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 556–557.
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. 9.