Aloe elkerriana

Overview

Aloe elkerriana is recorded from Ethiopia and has long stems reaching 3–5 m. It is characterized by leaves 20–30 cm long, a branched inflorescence, and dark coral-red flowers with a yellow mouth. [1, 2, 3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe elkerriana Dioli & T.A.McCoy [3]
Protologue bibliography: Haseltonia 13: 35 (2007) [3]
Type locality and type material: M. Dioli 28 (O), recorded from a cliff face overlooking El Kerré in the Bale Region, Ethiopia. [2]

Etymology

The epithet elkerriana refers to El Kerre in Ethiopia. [1, 4]

Key characteristics

Growth form

The stems reach 3–5 m and are procumbent or, more usually, pendent. [1, 2]

Leaves

The leaves are 20–30 × 4.5 cm and smooth. Young growth may show small whitish spots on the lower surface, and the margins bear whitish-pink teeth. [2]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence is 50–60 cm long with 4–5 branches; the cylindrical racemes are 10–15 cm long and rather laxly flowered. The perianth is dark coral-red with a yellow mouth and is 25 mm long. [2]

Distribution

Recorded from Ethiopia. Regional records differ among sources, with records from the Bale Region and the Harerge floristic region. The source recording the Harerge floristic region states that the species was not then known elsewhere. [1, 3]

Habitat

Recorded on a bare rock cliff face overlooking the village of El Kerre / El Kerré at about 1,000 m. [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. p. 493.
World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
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. 54.

Updates

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