Aloe ruspoliana
Aloe ruspoliana
Overview
Aloe ruspoliana is an accepted succulent perennial native to Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. [1]
Key characteristics
Growth form
Plants are usually stemless or short-stemmed, sucker and form large groups. [2]
Leaves
The lanceolate-attenuate leaves are yellowish-green and 50–60 × 12 cm. [2]
Leaf surface and margin
Leaves may have a few pale basal spots; the cartilaginous margins bear white teeth that are absent apically. [2]
Inflorescence and flowers
Inflorescences reach 200 cm with many spreading branches; the racemes are flatly capitate and the cylindrical flowers have a citrous-yellow perianth 16–20 mm long. [2]
Distribution
The native range extends from southern and eastern Ethiopia through Somalia to Kenya. [1]
Habitat
Published accounts place the species on open or dry rocky hillsides in Acacia-Commiphora or deciduous bushland. [3, 2]
Etymology
The epithet ruspoliana commemorates Prince Eugenio Ruspoli (1866–1893), an Italian explorer and plant collector who collected the type. [4]
Classification and nomenclature
- Accepted name
- Aloe ruspoliana Baker [1]
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. pp. 460–461.
- Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal, I. (2010). Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd ed.
- 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. 136.
Updates
Classification, distribution and descriptive information are revised as new sources are verified or taxonomic treatments change.