Aloe whitcombei

Overview

Aloe whitcombei is a small, caespitose cliff-dwelling aloe endemic to Oman. Its pendent stems carry apical rosettes, and the inflorescence arches downward and bears white flowers. [1, 2, 3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe whitcombei Lavranos [3]
Protologue bibliography: Cactus and Succulent Journal (Los Angeles) 67: 31 (1995) [1, 2, 3]
Type locality and type material: Oman, Dhofar Province, Ras Sajr, south of Shaat. Collenette 8950, holotype E. [1]

Etymology

The epithet whitcombei honors Robert Peter Whitcombe (R.P. Whitcombe). [1, 4]

Key characteristics

Growth form

It is small and caespitose, with pendent stems branching from the base and forming small groups. [1, 2]

Leaves

The leaves form apical rosettes, are 5–8 cm long, light green and marked with many white spots. [1, 2]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence first ascends obliquely and then arches downward; the raceme is strongly decurved. The perianth is white with green at the tips. [1, 2]

Distribution

Recorded as endemic to Oman. [1, 3]

Habitat

It grows in solution cavities or clefts on vertical limestone cliffs, with heavy fog and mist during the monsoon and persistently high humidity associated with proximity to the ocean. [1]

Main references

McCoy, T. (2019). The Aloes of Arabia. McCoy Publishing, Temecula, California. pp. 133–136.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 471.
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. 166.

Updates

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