Aloidendron barberae

Overview

Aloidendron barberae is a large succulent tree with a discrete, often caudiciform basal trunk and distal dichotomous branching. The bark becomes grey, fissures longitudinally and peels with age. Leaves are crowded at branch apices and eventually abscise, leaving the branches clean. [1] [2] [3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

A large succulent tree with distal dichotomous branching. [1] [2]

Trunk

The basal trunk is discrete and often caudiciform; the bark fissures and peels longitudinally. [3]

Leaves

Leaves are crowded at branch apices, recurved and deeply channelled above; older leaves eventually abscise. [2] [3]

Inflorescence

The inflorescence and racemes are erect, and the flowers are densely spaced. [2] [3]

Distribution

WCVP records Mozambique, Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, Eswatini and Northern Provinces. Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) describe the eastern part of southern Africa, including Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, eastern Swaziland, the Barberton District of Mpumalanga and southern Mozambique. [1] [3]

Habitat

Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) record the species in evergreen forest and margins of dry forest, in kloofs and well-drained river valleys, on varied soils that are usually fertile loam. The climate is warm, subtropical and frost-free. [3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloidendron barberae (Dyer) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. [1]
Classification and nomenclature: Accepted at species rank; the combination was published in Phytotaxa 76: 9 (2013). The basionym is Aloe barberae Dyer. [1] [2] [4] [3]

Compared taxon: Aloidendron dichotomum

Etymology

The epithet barberae commemorates Mary E. Barber (née Bowker, 1818–1899). [4] [2] [3]

References

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 695.
Van Jaarsveld, E. & Judd, E. (2015). Tree aloes of Africa. Penrock Publications, Cape Town. pp. 36–39.
Grace, O.M., Klopper, R.R., Figueiredo, E. & Smith, G.F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. pp. 18–19.