Aristaloe aristata

Overview

Aristaloe aristata is a stemless succulent that is solitary or suckers to form dense groups. Its leaves are erect to ascending, elongate and broadly deltoid, tapering to a dry bristle. The green to grey-green leaves bear numerous white spots and soft white marginal teeth. The inflorescence is simple or branched, and the orange-red perianth is slightly curved. [1]

Key characteristics

Growth form

Stemless; solitary or suckering to form dense groups. [1]

Leaves

Leaves are erect to ascending, elongate and broadly deltoid, tapering to a dry bristle. [1]

Leaf surface

Leaves are green to grey-green with numerous white spots and soft white marginal teeth. [1]

Inflorescence

The inflorescence is simple or branched; racemes are subcapitate and rather lax. [1]

Flowers

The perianth is orange-red and slightly curved. [1]

Distribution

WCVP gives the distribution as South Africa. Carter et al. (2011) record a broad mountain range from the Karoo to the Drakensberg foothills and the mountains of Lesotho. [2] [1]

Habitat

Carter et al. (2011) record the species in high-altitude mountain habitats at 1,200–2,200 m, generally above 1,500 m. [1]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aristaloe aristata (Haw.) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning [2]
Classification and nomenclature: Accepted at species rank; the combination was published in Syst. Bot. 39: 69 (2014). The basionym is Aloe aristata Haw. [2] [1] [3]

Etymology

The epithet aristata refers to the awn-like leaf tips and derives from Latin aristatus, meaning awned. [3]

References

Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
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. pp. 15–16.