Biology:Aloe dorotheae

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Short description: Species of plant in the family Asphodelaceae

Aloe dorotheae
Aloe dorotheae 2.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Species:
A. dorotheae
Binomial name
Aloe dorotheae
A.Berger
Synonyms[2]

Aloe harmsii A.Berger

Aloe dorotheae is a critically endangered succulent plant in the family Asphodelaceae.[3] It is native to Tanzania.

Description

Its leaves are recurved, spotted, and have a glossy surface. They turn a strong reddish colour during times of drought or under stressed, exposed conditions. The stems are sprawling and decumbent, and it can eventually form large clumps.[citation needed]

Distribution and habitat

The species has a very restricted distribution in the wild, limited to only two localities consisting of rocky outcrops in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, but is common and popular as an ornamental in cultivation. It requires well-drained soil, some exposure to sun, and it prefers a summer-rainfall watering regime.[1]

It is one of 16 aloe species which are endemic to Tanzania, and one of a further 26 Aloe species which are indigenous (but not endemic) to that country.[note 1][4]

Conservation

Aloe dorotheae is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN based on its extremely limited distribution, which overlaps with a heavily populated district. It is likely being collected for medicinal purposes.[1]

Notes

  1. Note:
    Tanzania Aloe endemics: A. babatiensis, boscawenii, brachystachys, brandhamii, bukobana, bullockii, bussei, congdonii, dorotheae, flexilifolia, leachii, leedalii, leptosiphon, massawana, pembana, richardsiae.
    Tanzania Aloe indigenous: A. parvidens; lateritia; secundiflora; rabaiensis; volkensii; wollastonii; macrosiphon; ballyi, confusa, deserti, elata, fibrosa, morijensis, ngongensis; bicomitum, fimbrialis, veseyi; duckeri; mzimbana; bulbicaulis, nuttii; christianii; mawii; chabaudii; myriacantha [citation needed]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q291761 entry