Aloe ambrensis

Overview

Aloe ambrensis is a stemless, solitary aloe of northern Madagascar. Its leaves are deeply channelled; Carter et al. (2011) report 11–15 leaves 70 cm long and red perianths 32 mm long. [1, 2, 3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Stemless and solitary, with a maximum plant diameter of 60 cm. [2, 3]

Leaves

Leaves are widely spreading and lanceolate, 70 cm long and 3.5–6 cm wide; they are green, often reddish-tinged, and deeply channelled. [3]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence is simple or 1-branched and 30–40 cm high. Flowers are red and cylindrical, with a 32 mm perianth. [3]

Distribution

The species occurs in northern Madagascar. Castillon, J.-B. & Castillon, J.-P. (2010) list Cap d'Ambre and Windsor Castle, while Carter et al. (2011) limit it to the Cap d'Ambre area. [1, 2, 3]

Habitat

It occurs in dry forest; at Cap d'Ambre it is reported from among basaltic and limestone boulders under trees. [2, 3]

Etymology

The epithet ambrensis refers to the type locality at Cap d'Ambre in Madagascar. [4]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe ambrensis J.-B.Castillon [1, 4]
Protologue bibliography: The name was published in Cactus World 25: 12 (2007). The direct 2007 protologue text has not been checked. [1, 3]
Type locality and type material: Cap d'Ambre is reported as the type locality in a later source. Carter et al. (2011) cite Castillon 28 (HBG); because the direct protologue has not been checked, holotype status remains unverified. [2, 3]

Main references

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
Castillon, J.-B. & Castillon, J.-P. (2010). Les Aloe de Madagascar / The Aloe of Madagascar. J.-P. Castillon. 400 pp.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 290–291.
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. 10.

Updates

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