Aloe percrassa

Overview

This aloe occurs in highland Eritrea and north-eastern Ethiopia. It forms crowded leaf rosettes and bears scarlet flowers on branched inflorescences. [1]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe percrassa Tod.
Type locality and type material: Carter et al. (2011) report that Gilbert & Sebsebe (1997) designated an illustration accompanying Todaro’s description as the lectotype. [1]
Synonyms: Aloe oligospila Baker [2]
Illegitimate names: Aloe bakeri Hook.f. ex Baker [2]

Etymology

The epithet percrassa means “very thick”, referring to the fleshy leaves and stems. [3, 2]

Key characteristics

Leaves

The leaves are grey-green to glaucous green, sometimes reddish-tinged, with deltoid teeth along the margins. [1, 3]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence is branched, with cylindrical to conical racemes and scarlet flowers. [3, 1]

Distribution

It is recorded from the highlands of Eritrea and north-eastern Ethiopia. [3, 1]

Habitat

It grows on sparsely vegetated rocky slopes and outcrops, at reported elevations of 2,100–2,700 m. [3, 1]

Main references

Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Grace, O.M., Klopper, R.R., Figueiredo, E. & Smith, G.F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal, I. (2010). Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd ed.

Updates

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

Member tools

Member home

Favorites, page requests and image contributions are member features.