Aloe trigonantha

Overview

Aloe trigonantha occurs in northern Ethiopia, including the Gonder and Gojam regions, and forms rosettes that are stemless or nearly so. Its perianth is distinctly three-angled with an approximately truncate base; published descriptions differ in the reported flower colours. [1, 2]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe trigonantha L.C.Leach

Etymology

The 2010 account explains the epithet as referring to the three-angled flower. [1]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Acaulescent or nearly so, this aloe produces basal suckers and forms dense groups. Its leaves form dense rosettes. [1, 2]

Leaves

The spreading, lanceolate leaves are described as uniformly green in a 2010 account. A 2011 account describes pale-green leaves with a few elongate whitish spots, more numerous on the bluish-green lower surface, and pinkish cartilaginous, toothed margins. [1, 2]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescences branch, while the prominently three-angled perianth has a nearly truncate base. [1, 2]

Distribution

Ethiopia. The 2010 account records Gonder and Gojam; the 2011 account describes the Begemdir area. [1, 2]

Habitat

The 2010 account describes rocky roadsides and field margins; the 2011 account instead records grassland. Their reported elevation ranges also differ. [1, 2]

Main references

Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal, I. (2010). Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd ed. pp. 49, 83–84.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 449.

Updates

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