Aloe rauhii
Aloe rauhii (common name snowflake aloe) is a rare succulent endangered drought-resistant plant endemic to Madagascar. It is named after Professor Werner Rauh, who was a professor of Botany at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. [3][4]
Aloe rauhii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Asphodelaceae |
Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
Genus: | Aloe |
Species: | A. rauhii |
Binomial name | |
Aloe rauhii Reynolds[1] | |
Synonyms | |
Guillauminia rauhii (Reynolds) P.V.Heath[2] |
Description
Aloe rauhii are less than 6 inches (15 cm) high. Leaf rosettes are approximately 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter. The leaves have characteristic heavily white oval spots with tiny white marginal teeth, the overall appearance of which may resemble snowflakes. Plant propagates via clumping. In full sunlight, the green and white leaves become a purplish orange color.[5][4]
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.[3][6]
References
- A. rauhii was first named and published in Journal of South African Botany. Kirstenbosch xxix. 151 (1963). by the South African botanist Gilbert Westacott Reynolds (1895–1967) "Plant Name Details for Aloe rauhii". IPNI. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
Notes: Madag. Illus
- The taxon name Guillauminia rauhii was first published in Calyx. Sutton under Whitestone Cliffe 4(4): 147 (1994). A. rauhii is its basionym. "Plant Name Details for Guillauminia rauhii". IPNI. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
- "Aloe rauhii". Plant Collections Rare and Endangered Species. United States Botanic Garden. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- Philippe Faucon (1998–2005). "Aloe rauhii". desert-tropicals.com. Retrieved May 16, 2011.
- Thomas Kent. "Aloe rauhii". Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- Britt, Adam; Clubbe, Colin; Ranarivelo, Tianjanahary (December 6, 2004). "Conserving Madagascar's Plant Diversity". Curtis's Botanical Magazine. 21 (4).