Aloidendron eminens

Overview

Aloidendron eminens is a large succulent tree confined to northern Somalia. It bears dull-green leaves in apical rosettes and ascending panicles with glossy red flowers that become pendent when open. [1] [2]

Key characteristics

Growth form

An erect succulent tree, irregularly branched and dichotomously branched distally. [1] [2] [3]

Leaves

Leaves cluster in apical rosettes; they are dull green, recurved and channelled above. [2] [3]

Inflorescence

The inflorescence is an apical, ascending, loose panicle with 3–5 branches. [2]

Flowers

Flowers are glossy red, cylindrical-trigonous and pendent when open. [2]

Distribution

WCVP records Somalia as the native area and N. Somalia as the geographic area. Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) state that the species is confined to North Somalia, while Carter et al. (2011) restrict it to the vicinity of the type locality near Erigavo. [1] [2] [3]

Habitat

Carter et al. (2011) record forested north-facing slopes. Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) describe dry forest in the Erigavo District, in well-wooded gorges of the eastern escarpment and well-drained river valleys, on steep limestone slopes. [3] [2]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloidendron eminens (Reynolds & P.R.O.Bally) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. [1]
Classification and nomenclature: Accepted at species rank; the combination was published in Phytotaxa 76: 9 (2013). The basionym is Aloe eminens Reynolds & P.R.O.Bally. [1]

Compared taxon: Aloe sabaea
Compared taxon: Aloidendron tongaense

Etymology

The epithet eminens is from Latin and refers to conspicuousness or standing out in nature. Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) likewise relate the name to this “eminent” aloe of northeastern Africa. [4] [2]

References

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
Van Jaarsveld, E. & Judd, E. (2015). Tree aloes of Africa. Penrock Publications, Cape Town. pp. 1, 4, 14, 16–17, 21–22, 24–25, 27, 29, 32, 34–35, 44, 47.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 694.
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. 54.