Aloe alexandrei
Aloe alexandrei
Overview
Aloe alexandrei is apparently endemic to Grande Comore in the Comoro Islands, where it grows in small pockets of soil in basalt lava below Kartala Volcano. [1]
Key characteristics
Growth form
It is usually solitary, rarely with two stems, and grows erect to more than 3 m tall with a stem 16 cm thick. [1]
Leaves
The 19–30 leaves are pale green to greenish-yellow, erect at first and spreading with age. Their reddish margins bear curved whitish teeth. [1]
Inflorescence
A rosette produces up to three inflorescences, each with 2–4 branches. The racemes are cylindrical-acuminate and densely flowered. [1]
Flowers
The flowers are pendulous with a red, orange or yellow perianth. The fruit is indehiscent, subspherical and 12 × 14 mm. [1]
Distribution
It is recorded from the western coast of Grande Comore, below Kartala Volcano. [1]
Habitat
It is apparently endemic to western Grande Comore below Kartala Volcano, growing in small pockets of soil in basalt lava. [1]
Diagnostic features
A source notes similarity to the northern Madagascan A. peyrierasii, but distinguishes that species as much larger, with much shorter racemes and conspicuous floral bracts almost as long as the pedicels. [1]
Scientific name and synonyms
- Accepted name
- Aloe alexandrei Ellert [1]
Taxonomic treatment
WCVP treats Aloe alexandrei as an accepted species. [1]
Epithet origin
The epithet alexandrei honours Alexandre Viossat. Sources differ in how they describe Viossat's association with the species. [2] [1]
References
- Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 664.
- 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. 9.