Aloe rubroviolacea

Overview

Aloe rubroviolacea Schweinf. is currently accepted by WCVP and is native to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It is a highland aloe of cliffs and rocky slopes, with cylindrical, very densely flowered racemes. [1, 2, 3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Leaves are spreading and smooth. [2]

Leaves

The leaf margin is reddish to red; McCoy (2019) describes a red cartilaginous edge and red teeth with white tips. [2, 3]

Leaf surface and margin

The cylindrical racemes are very densely flowered and 30–40 cm long. [2, 3]

Inflorescence and flowers

Both McCoy (2019) and Carter et al. (2011) give a perianth length of 25–35 mm. [2, 3]

Distribution

WCVP records the species as native to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. McCoy (2019) describes a range from the Hijaz Province south along the Arabian escarpment into Yemen and east to the Audhali Plateau; Carter et al. (2011) report the same broad Saudi Arabian–Yemeni range. [1, 2, 3]

Habitat

McCoy (2019) records the species chiefly on vertical cliffs and ledges, sometimes on steep rocky slopes, and notes a strong association with highland mist and fog. Carter et al. (2011) likewise records rocky slopes and cliffs. [2, 3]

Etymology

The epithet rubroviolacea is based on Latin words for red and violet. McCoy (2019) relates the name to violet-hued, red-margined leaves, while Grace et al. (2011) relates it to the colour of the dry leaves. [2, 4]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe rubroviolacea Schweinf. [1]
Protologue bibliography: Current WCVP gives Bull. Herb. Boissier 2(2): 71 (1895). [1]
Type locality and type material: Schweinfurth 1658 from the Shibam/Menakha area of Yemen is cited as type material. McCoy (2019) gives B† as holotype and K as isotype; Carter et al. (2011) report B?, K. [2, 3]

Main references

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
McCoy, T. (2019). The Aloes of Arabia. McCoy Publishing, Temecula, California.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Grace, O.M., Klopper, R.R., Figueiredo, E. & Smith, G.F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Updates

Classification, distribution and descriptive information are revised as new sources are verified or taxonomic treatments change.