Aloe steudneri

Overview

An aloe recorded from the mountains of northwestern Ethiopia. It may be stemless or form a low stem, and bears tubular flowers in shades of red. [1, 2]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe steudneri Schweinf.

Etymology

The epithet steudneri honours Dr H. Steudner. [1, 3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Stemless or with a short decumbent stem; plants may be solitary or produce offsets. [1, 2]

Leaves

Leaves are described as blue- or grey-green in one account and bright green in another. Their margins bear reddish teeth. [1, 2]

Inflorescence and flowers

The racemes are described as cylindrical or conical-cylindrical, with differing reports of flower density. [1, 2]

The outer perianth segments are free almost to the base. One source gives a usual perianth length of 35–40 mm, while another reports 50 mm. [1, 2]

Distribution

Demissew & Nordal (2010) report Ethiopia (Tigray, Gonder and Gojam) and Eritrea, whereas Carter et al. (2011) report the species only from the Semien Mountains. [1, 2]

Habitat

The species is reported from steep slopes, cliff faces and rocky sites. Elevation is given as 2600–3150 m in the 2010 account and 2825–3500 m in the 2011 account. [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.
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. 146.

Updates

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