Gonialoe sladeniana
Gonialoe sladeniana
Overview
Gonialoe sladeniana is a stemless, suckering succulent that forms small groups and is distributed in the Khomas Hochland of Namibia. The leaves are trifarious and lanceolate, V-shaped in section; they ascend from their bases and remain straight toward their tips. The green leaves bear numerous irregular white markings and have white margins. The racemes are laxly flowered, and the perianth is dull pink and slightly curved. [1] [2] [3]
Key characteristics
Growth form
Stemless and suckering to form small groups. [2]
Leaves
Leaves are trifarious and lanceolate, V-shaped in section, ascending from their bases and straight toward their tips. [2] [3]
Leaf surface
Leaves are green with numerous irregular white markings and white margins. [2]
Inflorescence
The inflorescence is simple or has up to three racemes, which are laxly flowered. [2]
Flowers
The perianth is dull pink and slightly curved. [2]
Distribution
Namibia. WCVP gives the Khomas Hochland, while Carter et al. (2011) describe the species as apparently confined to the high country southwest of Windhoek. [1] [2]
Habitat
Carter et al. (2011) record the species on metamorphic rocks. [2]
Classification and nomenclature
- Accepted name
- Gonialoe sladeniana (Pole-Evans) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning [1]
- Classification and nomenclature
- Accepted at species rank; the combination was published in Syst. Bot. 39: 69 (2014). The basionym is Aloe sladeniana Pole-Evans. [1]
Etymology
The epithet sladeniana honours British naturalist William Percy Sladen, a financial benefactor of the expedition on which the plant was discovered. [4] [2]
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.
- Hanáček, Klak & Bruyns (2023), South African Journal of Botany 159: 653–657. DOI
- Grace, O.M., Klopper, R.R., Figueiredo, E. & Smith, G.F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. pp. 142–143.