Aloe divaricata

Aloe divaricata
Aloe divaricata in cultivation
CITES Appendix II[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Species:
A. divaricata
Binomial name
Aloe divaricata
Infraspecific taxa[3]
  • Aloe divaricata subsp. divaricata
  • Aloe divaricata subsp. tulearensis (T.A.McCoy & Lavranos) J.-P.Castillon
  • Aloe divaricata subsp. vaotsohy (Decorse & Poiss.) J.-P.Castillon
  • Aloe divaricata var. rosea (Decary) Reynolds
Synonyms
subsp. divaricata[4]
  • Aloe sahundra Bojer
subsp. tulearensis[5]
  • Aloe tulearensis T.A.McCoy & Lavranos
subsp. vaotsohy[6]
  • Aloe vaotsohy Decorse & Poiss.
var. rosea[7]
  • Aloe vaotsohy var. rosea Decary

Aloe divaricata is a species of succulent plant in the genus Aloe. Endemic to Madagascar, it is common and widely distributed across the island. Four infraspecific taxa are recognised: three subspecies and one variety.

Taxonomy and history

Aloe divaricata was described in 1905 by German botanist Alwin Berger based on a type specimen collected from Mahajanga.[3][8] The specific epithet divaricata is derived from the Latin word divaricate, meaning "spreading", in reference to the species' branched inflorescence.[9]

Three subspecies and one variety are recognised:[3][8]

  • Aloe divaricata subsp. divaricata (autonym)
  • Aloe divaricata subsp. tulearensis (T.A.McCoy & Lavranos) J.-P.Castillon
  • Aloe divaricata subsp. vaotsohy (Decorse & Poiss.) J.-P.Castillon
  • Aloe divaricata var. rosea (Decary) Reynolds

Distribution and habitat

Aloe divaricata is the most widely distributed endemic Aloe of Madagascar, occurring in the former Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, and Toliara provinces. It grows on lateritic soils in arid plains, dry spiny forests, limestone plateaus, and sandy coastal forests. It can be found from sea level up to 800 m (2,600 ft) above sea level.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Rakotoarisoa, S.E. (2020). "Aloe divaricata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020 e.T110039563A110040111. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T110039563A110040111.en. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  2. ^ "Aloe divaricata A. Berger". Species+. UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Aloe divaricata A.Berger". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  4. ^ "Aloe divaricata subsp. divaricata". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  5. ^ "Aloe divaricata subsp. tulearensis (T.A.McCoy & Lavranos) J.-P.Castillon". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  6. ^ "Aloe divaricata subsp. vaotsohy (Decorse & Poiss.) J.-P.Castillon". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  7. ^ "Aloe divaricata var. rosea (Decary) Reynolds". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  8. ^ a b Newton, L. E. (2020). "Aloe Asphodelaceae". In Eggli, Urs; Nyffeler, Reto (eds.). Monocotyledons. Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants (Second ed.). Berlin, Germany: Springer Nature. pp. 548–549. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-56486-8. ISBN 978-3-662-56484-4. OCLC 1145609055.
  9. ^ Grace, Olwen M.; Klopper, Ronell R.; Figueiredo, Estrela; Smith, Gideon F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia. Vol. 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute & Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 50. ISBN 978-1-84246-419-9. OCLC 729841885.