Aloidendron tongaense

Overview

Aloidendron tongaense is a tree that branches dichotomously distally and bears dull-green, sword-shaped leaves in apical rosettes. It has candelabriform inflorescences with capitate racemes and yellowish-orange flowers whose cylindrical perianths are curved and pendent at maturity. [1]

Key characteristics

Growth form

A tree, dichotomously branched distally. [1]

Leaves

Borne in apical rosettes; dull green and sword-shaped. [1]

Inflorescence

The inflorescence is candelabriform with capitate racemes. [1]

Flowers

Flowers are yellowish-orange; the perianth is cylindrical, curved, and pendent at maturity. [1]

Distribution

WCVP gives the range as “Mozambique to KwaZulu-Natal”. Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) state that it is known only from Sand Forest at Kosi Bay in Tongaland and adjacent Mozambique. [2] [1]

Habitat

WCVP records a subtropical climate. Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) describe Northern Coastal Forest at Kosi Bay, under warm, humid, subtropical conditions, on sandy, mineral-poor soil. [2] [1]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloidendron tongaense (van Jaarsv.) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. [2]
Classification and nomenclature: Accepted at species rank; the combination was published in Phytotaxa 76: 10 (2013). The basionym is Aloe tongaensis van Jaarsv. [2] [3] [1]

Compared taxon: Aloidendron eminens
Compared taxon: Aloidendron barberae

Etymology

Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015) explain that the basionym epithet tongaensis refers to Tongaland in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The current accepted combination uses the ending tongaense. [1]

References

Van Jaarsveld, E. & Judd, E. (2015). Tree aloes of Africa. Penrock Publications, Cape Town. pp. 40–43.
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. 708.