Aloidendron pillansii

Overview

Aloidendron pillansii is a solitary succulent tree with a discrete basal trunk, sparse distal dichotomous branching and a sparse crown that is ascending to rounded. Young branches are greyish green and smooth; with age the bark becomes yellowish and peels longitudinally. [1] [2] [3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

A solitary succulent tree with a sparse, ascending-to-rounded crown. [1] [2] [3]

Trunk

A discrete basal trunk with sparse distal dichotomous branching; older bark becomes yellowish and peels longitudinally. [3]

Leaves

Leaves are crowded in dense apical rosettes, lanceolate-attenuate, leathery and grey-green; older leaves abscise and leave clean branches. [3]

Inflorescence

The inflorescence is a lateral panicle arising at the base of the leaf rosette, with lemon-yellow to yellow flowers. [3]

Distribution

Recorded from the Richtersveld in Northern Cape to the Hunsberg in southern Namibia; Tree aloes of Africa gives the range from Eksteenfontein in the south to Kuamsibberg in the north. [1] [2] [3]

Habitat

Occurs mainly in open, exposed rocky terrain, in Desert vegetation and Succulent Karoo vegetation of the winter-rainfall region, on varied geology including dolomite, shale, sandstone and granite. [3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloidendron pillansii (L.Guthrie) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. [1]
Classification and nomenclature: Accepted at species rank; the combination was published in Phytotaxa 76: 9 (2013). The basionym is Aloe pillansii L.Guthrie. [1] [2] [4]

Compared taxon: Aloidendron dichotomum
Compared taxon: Aloidendron ramosissimum

Etymology

The epithet pillansii commemorates Neville S. Pillans. [4] [3]

References

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 693.
Van Jaarsveld, E. & Judd, E. (2015). Tree aloes of Africa. Penrock Publications, Cape Town. pp. 13, 17, 52–55.
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. 122.