Aloe rivierei

Overview

Aloe rivierei is a shrubby aloe of the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. Its erect stems carry apical rosettes of pale yellow-green to pale-green leaves, and the tall inflorescences bear rather lax racemes of red to reddish-orange or yellow flowers. [1] [2]

Key characteristics

Growth form

A shrub branching from the base, with mostly simple erect stems. [1] [2]

Leaves

Leaves are crowded in apical rosettes, ascending to erect, and yellow-green to pale green. [1] [2]

Inflorescence

Inflorescences are erect, up to 120 cm long, and simple to 2-branched; the racemes are rather lax. [1] [2]

Flowers

The perianth is 30 mm long, red to reddish-orange or yellow, typically with a yellow mouth. [1] [2]

Distribution

WCVP records the accepted concept from the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. Direct Aloe rivierei accounts report Yemen, especially Ibb and Taizz, with an outlying population near Jabal Shaharah. [1] [2]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe rivierei Lavranos & L.E.Newton
Synonym: Aloe parvicoma Lavranos & Collen. [3]

Etymology

The epithet rivierei commemorates Fernando Riviere de Caralt. [1] [3]

References

McCoy, T. (2019). The Aloes of Arabia. McCoy Publishing, Temecula, California. pp. 277–281, 323–329.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 424–425, 581.
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. 134.