Aloe austroarabica

Overview

Aloe austroarabica is native to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It is usually solitary, with lanceolate green to greyish-green leaves; the inflorescence reaches 145 cm and the perianth is yellow or dark pink. [1, 2, 3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe austroarabica T.A.McCoy & Lavranos [1]
Protologue bibliography: T.A.McCoy & Lavranos, Cactus and Succulent Journal (US) 75(3): 123 (2003). [2]

Etymology

The epithet austroarabica refers to southern Arabia, from Latin auster (“south”) and arabicus (“Arabian”). [2, 4]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Usually solitary; infrequently dividing into 2–3 rosettes. [2, 3]

Leaves

Leaves lanceolate, 50–60 cm long and about 12 cm wide at the base. [2, 3]

Leaf surface and margin

Upper surface green to greyish-green; marginal teeth white or white with brown tips. [2]

Inflorescence and flowers

Inflorescence up to 145 cm tall; racemes cylindrical-acuminate and densely flowered; perianth 30–34 mm long, yellow or dark pink. [2, 3]

Distribution

Saudi Arabia (southwest) and Yemen (northwest). [1, 2]

Habitat

Southern foothills and wadis leading to the Greater Arabian Escarpment, especially steep gravelly slopes and rocky basaltic or other igneous outcrops, at 850–1,200 m. [2]

Main references

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Plants of the World Online: Aloe austroarabica T.A.McCoy & Lavranos (accessed 2026-09-20).
McCoy, T. (2019). The Aloes of Arabia. McCoy Publishing, Temecula, California. pp. 12–14.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 366–367.
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. 17.

Updates

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