Aloe schelpei

Overview

Aloe schelpei is a caulescent succulent shrub from central Ethiopia. It is characterized by decumbent to pendent stems, glaucous-grey to blue-green leaves, and racemes of orange to orange-red flowers. [1, 2]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe schelpei Reynolds [2]
Protologue bibliography: J. S. African Bot. 27: 1 (1960) [2]

Etymology

The epithet schelpei honours botanist E. A. Schelpe, one of the collectors of the type material. [1, 3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

A caulescent succulent shrub with decumbent to pendent stems, forming dense groups. [1, 4]

Leaves

Leaves are rosulate, lanceolate, spreading to recurved, and glaucous-grey to blue-green. [1, 4]

Leaf surface and margin

The leaf surfaces may carry pale green to creamy spots near the base. The leaf margins are described as pinkish and also as reddish-pink. The margins are toothed. [1, 4]

Inflorescence and flowers

There are 1–3 cylindrical to conical racemes; the cylindrical perianth is orange to orange-red. [1]

Distribution

Native to Ethiopia. [2]

Habitat

Recorded on basaltic steep slopes and cliffs and on steep grassland slopes, at elevations of 1,700–2,470 m. [1, 4]

Main references

Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal, I. (2010). Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd ed.
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. 138.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 573.

Updates

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