Aloe rauhii

Description

Aloe rauhii is less than 6 inches (15 cm) high, where it grows without a stem or with a very short stem, branches and then forms dense groups. The up to 20 lanceolate-deltoid leaves form dense rosettes, which are approximately 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter. The grey-green, occasionally brownish leaf blade is 7 to 10 centimetres long and 1.5 to 2 centimetres wide. The leaves have characteristic heavily white oval spots with tiny white marginal teeth, the overall appearance of which may resemble snowflakes. The leaf tip is pointed. The white teeth on the cartilaginous, white leaf edge are about 0.5 millimetres long and are 1 to 2 millimetres apart. Plant propagates via clumping. In full sunlight, the green and white leaves become a purplish orange color.

Inflorescences

The simple or rarely branched inflorescence reaches a length of 30 centimeters. The loose, cylindrical and slightly tapered racemes are about 7 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide. They consist of twelve to 18 flowers. The egg-shaped, pointed, narrowed, white bracts are 4 to 5 millimeters long and 2 millimeters wide. The pink-scarlet flowers are lighter at their opening. They stand on 10 millimeter long flower stalks. The flowers are 25 millimeters long and shortly narrowed at the base. At the level of the ovary, the flowers have a diameter of 5 millimeters. Above this, they are slightly narrowed and then widen towards the opening. Their tepals are not fused together. The stamens and style protrude up to 1 millimeter from the flower.

Conservation status

Madagascar is recognized as one of the most ecologically rich countries in the world, and over 80% of its flora is endemic. However, the diverse plant life is under threat and some species are on the verge of extinction. The flora of Madagascar is unique due to the island's separation from the African continent over 160 million years ago, a possible explanation for A. rauhii being an endemic species.

Distribution

Aloe rauhii is widespread in Madagascar on sandstone cliffs in dense bush at altitudes of about 600 meters.

References

References

1. "''Aloe rauhii'' G. Reynolds 1963".
2. "Plant Name Details for ''Aloe rauhii''". [[International Plant Names Index.
3. "Plant Name Details for ''Guillauminia rauhii''". IPNI.
4. "''Aloe rauhii''". United States Botanic Garden.
5. Philippe Faucon. (1998–2005). "Aloe rauhii". desert-tropicals.com.
6. Thomas Kent. "''Aloe rauhii''".
7. (December 6, 2004). "Conserving Madagascar's Plant Diversity". Curtis's Botanical Magazine.