Aloe lolwensis
| Aloe lolwensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Aloe |
| Species: | A. lolwensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Aloe lolwensis | |
Aloe lolwensis is a species of Aloe plant native to the islands and surrounds of Lake Victoria in western Kenya and southern Uganda.
Taxonomy and history
[edit]First collected as early as 1989, Aloe lolwensis was described by Leonard Eric Newton in 2001 based on specimens collected from Rusinga Island, an island on Lake Victoria in western Kenya. The specific epithet lolwensis is derived from Nam Lolwe, the Luo name for Lake Victoria, in reference to the type location.[3][4] The description was published in volume 73 of the Cactus and Succulent Journal.[5]
Initially known only from Kenya, this species would be discovered growing in southern Uganda, close to Lake Victoria, in 2008.[3][5]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Aloe lolwensis grows on the islands and surrounding areas of Lake Victoria in Kenyan and Ugandan territory.[5] In Kenya it is known from Rusinga Island, Mfangano Island, and Pyramid Island, while in Uganda it is known from Busia District.[3] It grows in grasslands and rocky areas at altitudes of 1,220–1,550 m (4,000–5,090 ft) above sea level.[5]
Description
[edit]Aloe lolwensis is a relatively large Aloe, forming a compact rosette with upright leaves.[3]
Ecology
[edit]In Uganda, Aloe lolwensis is known to grow alongside and hybridise with A. dawei and A. wollastonii.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ Beentje, H.J; Fischer, E.; Kabuye, C.; Kalema, J.; Kayombo, C.; Luke, W.R.Q.; Nshutiyayesu, S.; Ntore, S. (2019). "Aloe lolwensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T97241482A97241486. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T97241482A97241486.en. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Aloe lolwensis L.E.Newton". Species+. UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Cole, Thomas C.; Forrest, Thomas G. (2015). "Three New Aloe Records from Uganda (Xanthorrhoeaceae)". Cactus and Succulent Journal. 87 (2): 76–80. doi:10.2985/015.087.0204 – via ResearchGate.
- ^ 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. 90. ISBN 978-1-84246-419-9.
- ^ a b c d 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. 597–598. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-56486-8. ISBN 978-3-662-56484-4.