A geographical comparison of Aloe maculata

1st observation:
Metamorphosed Cape Sandstone ledge - 1680 masl
Specimen features
*Twice to much-branched inflorescence
*Inflorescence >1 meter
*Leaves in basal rosette, becoming slightly caulescent. Withering at tips
*Growing in scattered colony of 50+ plants

2nd observation:
Cape Sandstone slopes, undulating - KZN province - 1565 masl
Specimen features
*Much-branched inflorescence
*Inflorescence >1.5 meters
*Leaves basal rosette, with variable white striations (under and upperside), withering at tips
*Growing in high density colony of >200 plants

3rd observation:
Cape Sandstone plateau - KZN province - 1340 masl
Specimen features
*Twice branched inflorescence
*Inflorescence > 1 meter
*Leaves in basal rosette, with variable white striations (under and upperside), withering at tips
*Growing in scattered colony of +- 40-50 plants

4th observation
Cape Sandstone ledge - Cape Peninsula, Western Cape Province - 210 masl
Specimen features
*Unbranched inflorescence
*Inflorescence <1 meter
*Leaves basal rosette, with variable white striations (under and upperside), withering at tips
*Growing singly or in very sparse colonies of +- 10 plants

Notes:

There seems to be a positive correlation between an increase in altitude of the habitat and an increase in the number of Aloe's in the population/ colony
Furthermore, there seems to also be a positive correlation between an increase in altitude and the height and degree of inflorescence branching, among a few other characteristics such as leaf shape (lower altitude = broader based, oval shaped leaves)
Both these correlations could be the result of: A) A gradual change in the phyto-communal makeup of the habitats with an increase in altitude (shorter, less bushy, graminoid community more prominent with increasing altitude, offering less competition). B) Slight differences in the geology, soil depth and drainage of the habitat (1st observation - medium grained sandstone, uniform deposition. 2nd observation - fine grained, impermeable sandstone, more exposed and uneven. 3rd observation - Very consolidated sandstone, undulating and slightly metamorphosed by granite), or more subtle changes in temperature as a result of increasing/ decreasing altitude C) Changes in the number and reliability of pollinators, possibly as a result of point (a)

The last point is less likely, as one would expect a higher, more branched inflorescence offering nectar rewards in greater number as the habitat becomes more bushy and the above ground leaf/ canopy coverage increases. However, it is possible that Aloe communities in higher altitude area's take advantage of less competition from dense-growing, caulescent plants by producing more branches and more flowers with a more diluted reserve of nectar thereby encouraging greater genetic dispersal in these open habitats. This remains to be confirmed

Posted on 12 de maio de 2020, 08:30 PM by anthonywalton anthonywalton

Observações

Fotos / Sons

Observador

anthonywalton

Data

Julho 13, 2016

Descrição

Aloe maculata?


Leaves with white speckles (not forming bands). Leaf tips dry and curled downwards. Branched stem under 1m high.

Etiquetas

Fotos / Sons

Observador

anthonywalton

Data

Dezembro 19, 2019 03:36 PM SAST

Descrição

Spines on leaf margins persisting on dried tips.
Numerous, spaced bracts on inflorescence stalk
Inflorescence unbranched, short

Growing in rock hollows and base of boulders, shallow sandstone loam

Cape Peninsula Fynbos

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