Aloe ballyi

Overview

Aloe ballyi is a succulent tree distributed from south-eastern Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. It bears grey-green leaves in dense rosettes and dull carmine to reddish-orange flowers on a suboblique inflorescence. [1] [2]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Usually simple and unbranched, with an erect trunk 5–6 m high. [2]

Leaves

About 25 leaves form a dense rosette; they spread when young and become greatly recurved. [2]

Inflorescence

The inflorescence is 60 cm long, with up to about 12 branches; the lower branches rebranch. [2]

Flowers

The perianth is 33 mm long, dull carmine to reddish orange, with greyish tips. [2]

Distribution

WCVP records Kenya and Tanzania as native areas and gives the geographic range as south-eastern Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. Carter et al. (2011) likewise describe it as sparsely distributed in that region. [1] [2]

Habitat

Carter et al. (2011) record dense bush and riverine thickets at 900–1,500 m. WCVP classifies the climate as seasonally dry tropical. [1] [2]

Ecology and conservation

Toxicity and constituents

Carter et al. (2011) describe the leaf sap as poisonous and state that broken leaves give off a strong odour reminiscent of rats or mice. [2]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe ballyi Reynolds [1]
Classification and nomenclature: Accepted at species rank and published in J. S. African Bot. 19: 2 (1953). [1] [2]

Compared taxon: Aloe elata

Etymology

The epithet ballyi commemorates Dr Peter R.O. Bally (1895–1980). Grace et al. (2011) record the common names kipapa [Dawida], rat aloe [English], and rora [language unspecified]. [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. 685.
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. 18.