Aloe imalotensis subsp. imalotensis

Overview

Aloe imalotensis subsp. imalotensis is the currently accepted nominotypical subspecies of Aloe imalotensis in WCVP, a succulent perennial of south-central and southeastern Madagascar. WCVP currently treats five names, including Aloe contigua and Aloe makayana, as synonyms. [1]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Plants are mainly solitary or form fair-sized groups and may have short, creeping stems. [2]

Leaves

Leaves are arcuate-ascending and broadly ovate, 30 × 12–15 cm, and bluish-green with a brown tinge. [2]

Leaf surface and margin

Leaves are unspotted in the north but copiously white-spotted in the extreme south of the range; the margin has a broad reddish cartilaginous border and is entire or bears minute close-set teeth. [2]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence is erect and 50–65 cm tall, with up to 5 racemes 10–20 cm long. The perianth is coral-red and 30–35 mm long. [2]

Distribution

WCVP places the taxon in south-central and southeastern Madagascar. Carter et al. (2011) record it near Ranohira in Fianarantsoa Province. [1, 2]

Habitat

Carter et al. (2011) record it on Triassic schists and sandstones of the Imaloto valley at about 600 m. WCVP places it in the seasonally dry tropical biome as a succulent perennial or chamaephyte. [1, 2]

Etymology

The Aloe Names Book states that imalotensis refers to its occurrence in the Imaloto Valley, Madagascar. [3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe imalotensis subsp. imalotensis [1]
Synonyms: Aloe contigua (H.Perrier) Reynolds [1]

Aloe deltoideodonta f. latifolia H.Perrier [1]

Aloe deltoideodonta f. longifolia H.Perrier [1]

Aloe deltoideodonta var. contigua H.Perrier [1]

Aloe makayana Lavranos, Rakouth & T.A.McCoy [1]

Parent taxon: Aloe imalotensis
Sibling subspecies: Aloe imalotensis subsp. parva
Varieties in the same species: Aloe imalotensis var. longeracemosa

Main references

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
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.