Aloidendron ramosissimum

Overview

Aloidendron ramosissimum is recorded as a succulent shrub or tree. It is densely dichotomously branched from ground level and forms slender, rounded, spreading crowns. [1] [2] [3]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Recorded as a succulent shrub or tree, with slender, rounded, spreading crowns. [1] [3]

Stem

Much branched dichotomously at the base and above; another source describes dense dichotomous branching from ground level. [2] [3]

Distribution

WCVP gives the range as “SW. Namibia to Northern Cape” and records Cape Provinces and Namibia. Carter et al. (2011) describe a restricted area in the Richtersveld extending just into Namibia, whereas Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) describe the western Richtersveld and western southern Namibia from just north of Port Nolloth to Rosh Pinah. [1] [2] [3]

Habitat

WCVP records desert or dry shrubland. Carter et al. (2011) describe hot arid mountain slopes, while Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) record Succulent Karoo vegetation in open exposed rocky terrain subject to coastal fog and cool conditions. [1] [2] [3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloidendron ramosissimum (Pillans) 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 ramosissima Pillans. [1] [2] [4] [3]
Synonyms: Homotypic synonyms recorded here are Aloe dichotoma var. ramosissima (Pillans) Glen & D.S.Hardy and Aloe dichotoma subsp. ramosissima (Pillans) Zonn. [1]

Compared taxon: Aloidendron dichotomum

Etymology

The Aloe Names Book explains ramosissima / ramosissimum as referring to the much-branched habit, from Latin ramosus (branched), in the superlative. [4]

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. 659.
Van Jaarsveld, E. & Judd, E. (2015). Tree aloes of Africa. Penrock Publications, Cape Town. pp. 56–59.
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. 130.