Aloe bertemariae

Overview

Aloe bertemariae Sebsebe & Dioli is a stemless aloe recorded from eastern Ethiopia. Its strongly inrolled, spotted leaves and dark coral-red, minutely pubescent perianth are notable features. [1, 2]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe bertemariae Sebsebe & Dioli [3]
Protologue bibliography: Sebsebe & Dioli, Kew Bulletin 55: 679 (2000). [1, 3]

Etymology

The epithet honors Berte Marie Ulvester, wife of Maurizio Dioli, for her support of botanical expeditions. Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal (2010) spell her middle name “Maria”; Carter et al. (2011) and Grace et al. (2011) use “Marie”. [2, 1, 4]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Stemless; solitary or suckering to form small clumps of 3–4 plants. [1, 2]

Leaves

Leaves are strongly inrolled and become tubular when dry; they are greyish-green with longitudinal striation and numerous pale spots. [2, 1]

Leaf surface and margin

The lower leaf surface usually bears 3–5 brown prickles toward the tip; the margins bear brown teeth. [2, 1]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence is erect and simple, with a cylindrical-conical raceme. The perianth is dark coral-red, cylindrical-trigonous and minutely pubescent; stamens and style are included. [1, 2]

Distribution

Ethiopia: Harerge region, including the Ogaden area of eastern Ethiopia. [2, 1]

Habitat

Acacia woodland at 300–400 m. Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal (2010) describe sandy soil, whereas Carter et al. (2011) describe sandy clay soil. [2, 1]

Main references

Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 288–289.
Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal, I. (2010). Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd ed.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Plants of the World Online: Aloe bertemariae Sebsebe & Dioli (accessed 2026-09-22). Source
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. 20.

Updates

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