Reinstatement of Aloe longibracteata (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a maculate aloe from northeastern South Africa

Abstract

Aloe longibracteata (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a South African endemic aloe, which in the past has been regarded as belonging in the synonymy of A. greatheadii var. davyana, is reinstated as an accepted species. It differs from A. davyana var. davyana, which recently has been separated from A. greatheadii, in several reproductive morphological characters, most notably the fewer-branched inflorescences, much longer bracts, and the larger flowers and fruit, as well as the more densely-leaved rosettes. Aloe longibracteata is comprehensively compared to A. davyana var. davyana, illustrated, and a map of its natural geographical distribution range is provided. The typification of the name A. longibracteata is clarified and resolved, inter alia through designating an epitype.