Aloe otallensis

Overview

Aloe otallensis is a stemless aloe from southern Ethiopia. It has grey-green leaves and very dense cylindrical racemes; the pale-pink flowers are distinguished by a conspicuous papillose midrib on the outer tepals. [1] [2] [3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Plants are solitary or form small clumps and are stemless. [1] [2]

Leaves

Leaves are 35–80 cm long and 6.5–10 cm wide, erect to slightly recurved, and grey-green. [1]

Inflorescence

The racemes are cylindrical and very densely flowered. [1] [2]

Flowers

The perianth is cylindrical to clavate, 19–27 mm long and pale pink, with a conspicuous papillose midrib on the outer tepals. [1] [2]

Distribution

WCVP records southern Ethiopia. Source accounts report Gamo Gofa and Sidamo, and a range from north of Arba Minch south to Dubuluk. [3] [1] [2]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe otallensis Baker [3]
Synonym: Aloe boranensis Cufod. [3] [4] [2]

Etymology

The epithet otallensis refers to Otallo in Ethiopia. [4] [1]

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. 343.
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. 113.