Aloe calidophila

Overview

Aloe calidophila is a caulescent succulent shrub distributed from southern Ethiopia to northern Kenya. It is characterized by large, deeply channelled recurved leaves, a highly branched inflorescence, and a clavate perianth whose colour shifts from scarlet toward orange. [1, 2, 3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe calidophila Reynolds [3]
Protologue bibliography: J. S. African Bot. 20: 26 (1954) [3]

Etymology

The epithet calidophila is explained as referring to a preference for hot sites, from Latin calidus (hot) and Greek philos (friend). [1, 4]

Key characteristics

Growth form

A caulescent succulent shrub that branches and forms small to large dense groups. [1, 2]

Leaves

Leaves are crowded at the stem tip, deeply channelled and recurved. Their colour is described as uniformly dull-green to grey-green and also as dull olive-green. [1, 2]

Leaf surface and margin

The leaf margins bear dull-white teeth. The teeth are also recorded with reddish-brown tips. [1, 2]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence is branched and the racemes are densely flowered. The clavate perianth shows a colour transition from scarlet toward orange. [1, 2]

Distribution

Native to Ethiopia and Kenya. [3]

Habitat

Recorded in Acacia–Commiphora woodland/bushland or open wooded grassland at 1,280–1,620 m, and in hot arid plains at 1,280–1,460 m. [1, 2]

Main references

Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal, I. (2010). Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd ed.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 626–627.
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. 28.

Updates

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