Aloe aculeata Pole-Evans

Aloaceae, S. Kativu. Flora Zambesiaca 12:3. 2001

Morphology General Habit

Perennial herb, solitary, acaulescent.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves in a dense rosette, erect and often slightly incurved; lamina 30–60 cm long, 9–14 cm wide toward the base, ovate-lanceolate, greyish-green, bronzed in dry conditions, with scattered reddish-brown prickles from a pale circular base on the lower surface and usually near the apex of the upper surface, otherwise unmarked; margin with pungent, reddish-brown deltoid teeth 3–4 mm long and 10–15 mm apart.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence erect to 1.25 m high; peduncle simple or 1–3-branched; branches erect, subtended by deltoid scarious bracts c. 12 × 12 mm, with scattered sterile bracts below the racemes. Racemes 20–50 × 7 cm, cylindric, very densely flowered; bracts 10–15 × 5–6 mm, ovate, scarious, brownish, strongly deflexed; pedicels c. 2 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Perianth

Perianth bright red in bud rapidly turning orange to greenish-yellow on opening, 28–35 mm long, c. 7 mm in diameter across the ovary, widening to c. 10 mm at the middle and narrowing slightly toward the mouth, cylindric; outer segments free for two-thirds with tips slightly spreading.

Morphology Reproductive morphology

Stamens and stigma exserted c. 15 mm; stamens with purple-tinged orange filaments and reddish-orange anthers; stigma pale orange.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Capsule and seeds not seen.