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Aloe trinervis C.S. Purohit, R.N. Kulloli et Suresh Kumar
in Kumar, Purohit & Kulloli, 2020. |
Abstract
A new species of Aloe from the Indian Desert, India, is described and illustrated as Aloe trinervis sp. nov. The new species shows similarity with Aloe vera in having succulent, rosette leaves, persistent bracts, free tepals, and six stamens but differs in the recurved teeth instead of deltoid teeth on the leaf margins, 3-nerved bracts, branched and taller inflorescences (90–95 cm long), longer flowers of 31–34 mm in length, flowers with a pale green color being brownish at middle, and longer stamens (29–33 mm). A detailed description with data on its distribution and relevant taxonomic notes, comparative morphological, and color photo plate are provided for easy identification of the proposed new species, A. trinervis in relation to A. vera.
Keywords: Aloe, Asphodelaceae, Indian desert, New species, Rajasthan
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Figure 2. Aloe trinervis:
A, inflorescence; B, leaf upper surface and margin; C, leaf lower surface and margin; D, white spots in young leaves; E, teeth; F, bract; G, bud; H, flower; I, perianth outer side; J, perianth inner side; K, stamens; L, pistil
(Photo: C.S. Purohit & R.N. Kulloli). |
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Figure 3. Comparative plant parts of Aloe trinervis and Aloe vera (A & B) with respect to (1) inflorescence, (2) corolla ventral view, (3) corolla dorsal view, (4) teeth arrangement, (5) bud, (6) floral bract, (7) teeth shape
(Photo: C.S. Purohit & R.N. Kulloli). |
Aloe trinervis sp.nov. C.S. Purohit, R.N. Kulloli et Suresh Kumar
Diagnostic characters. Aloe trinervis sp. nov. shows similarity with Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. in having succulent, rosulate leaves, persistent floral bracts, free tepals and six stamens but differs in the recurved teeth on the leaf margins, 3-nerved floral bracts, branched inflorescence (90–95 cm long), flowers 31–34 mm long, flowers pale green with brownish at middle, and longer stamens (29–33 mm).
Etymology. The species epithet trinervis refers to the three nerved floral bracts which are distinctive and unique to this new species.
Distribution. The type locality of the new taxon is the protected area of Shivbari-Jorbhir area, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Conservation status. The new species is rare at the locality. Collected only from four different sites, the extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 500 km2. So far, only a limited area of occurrence of this species has been found. Based on its area of occupancy and extent of occurrence of A. trinervis is assigned as “Endangered” (EN; criteria B1ab (i, ii) + B2ab (i, ii) at country level i.e. India). Detailed investigations are therefore needed to confirm its conservation status.
Ecology. It occurred on sandy gravelly plain and rocky terraces associated with other plant species such as Acacia senegal, Acacia nilotica, Euphorbia tirucalli, Opuntia dillenii, Prosopis cineraria, Prosopis juliflora, and Commiphora wightii
Suresh Kumar, C.S. Purohit and Ravikiran N. Kulloli. 2020.
Aloe trinervis sp. nov.: A New Succulent Species from Indian Desert (Asphodelaceae).
Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 13(2); 325-330. DOI:
10.1016/j.japb.2020.03.001
New Aloe species discovered from a desert in northwestern India
