Aloe nicholsii Gideon F.Sm. & N.R.Crouch (Asphodelaceae): A new leptoaloe from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

A new species of leptoaloe, Aloe nicholsii Gideon F.Sm. & N.R.Crouch is described from the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The species shows affinities with Aloe kraussii Baker, but can be readily distinguished from it on reproductive characters: the flowers are smaller, pruinose, green below and a distinct metallic salmon-pink colour above. The flowers of A. kraussii are lemon-yellow or yellow, with green tips. Our species further differs from the unkeeled-leaf form of Aloe cooperi Baker in having much shorter flowers presented in a denser, capitate raceme, and the flower colour is not orange.