Aloe mahraensis

Overview

Aloe mahraensis is recorded as endemic to Al-Mahra in the easternmost part of Yemen and forms dense groups of many rosettes through subterranean stolons. It has narrow leaves and erect inflorescences with nutant flowers. [1, 2, 3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe mahraensis Lavranos & T.A.McCoy [3]
Protologue bibliography: Cactus and Succulent Journal (Los Angeles) 74: 238 (2002) [1, 2, 3]
Type locality and type material: Yemen, Al-Mahra Governorate, Ghubbet Qamar, near Dabut. Lavranos, McCoy et al. 31475, holotype MO. [1]

Etymology

The epithet mahraensis refers to Al-Mahra Governorate / Province in Yemen. [1, 4]

Key characteristics

Growth form

It offsets freely through subterranean stolons and forms large, dense groups. [1, 2]

Leaves

The leaves are densely rosulate, ascending to erect and narrowly lanceolate-attenuate. Mature margins are entire or occasionally toothed. [1, 2]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence is erect and simple or has up to two branches. The perianth is cylindrical-trigonous with a yellow mouth, and open flowers are nutant. [1, 2]

Distribution

Recorded as endemic to the easternmost region of Yemen, in east-flowing wadis from the northern Ras Fartaq range to the coastal plain around Ghubbet al-Qamar and on the Mahra coastal plain around al-Ghaydhah. [1, 2, 3]

Habitat

It grows on sandy or rocky flat ground in wadi bottoms and in dry washes, on Cretaceous or younger limestone. Elevation is near sea level to 75 m, and mean annual rainfall near Al Ghaydah is recorded as 78 mm. [1, 2]

Main references

McCoy, T. (2019). The Aloes of Arabia. McCoy Publishing, Temecula, California. pp. 68–71.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 414–415.
World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
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. 96.

Updates

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