Aloidendron dichotomum
Aloidendron dichotomum
Overview
Aloidendron dichotomum is a succulent tree with an erect trunk, densely dichotomous distal branching and a rounded crown. Young branches are greyish green and smooth; with age the bark becomes yellowish-grey and peels longitudinally. [1] [2]
Key characteristics
Growth form
A tree with an erect trunk, dense distal dichotomous branching and a rounded crown. [2]
Trunk
Young branches are greyish green and smooth; older bark becomes yellowish-grey, peels lengthwise and has sharp woody margins. [2]
Leaves
Leaves are densely crowded in apical rosettes, linear-lanceolate and tough-leathery; older leaves abscise and leave clean branches. [2]
Inflorescence
The inflorescence is an erect apical panicle; racemes are erect and the flowers are yellow. [2]
Distribution
Recorded in Northern Cape and Namibia, extending from north of Nieuwoudtville through Namaqualand, southern Namibia and central coastal Namibia to the Brandberg. [1] [2]
Habitat
Occurs mainly in open, exposed rocky terrain. It grows in Succulent Karoo in winter-rainfall areas and in Nama Karoo in summer-rainfall areas to the east, from mountain slopes to flats. [2]
Classification and nomenclature
- Accepted name
- Aloidendron dichotomum (Masson) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. [1]
- Compared taxon
- Aloidendron pillansii
- Compared taxon
- Aloidendron ramosissimum
Etymology
The epithet dichotomum refers to the forked, dichotomous branching. [4] [2]
References
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
- Van Jaarsveld, E. & Judd, E. (2015). Tree aloes of Africa. Penrock Publications, Cape Town. pp. 48–51.
- Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 690.
- 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. 48–49.