Aloe pienaarii

Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Aloe pienaarii Pole-Evans
Higher Classification
Monocotyledons
Family
ASPHODELACEAE
National Status
Status and Criteria
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2019/02/07
Assessor(s)
H. Mtshali
Justification
Aloe pienaarii is a widespread, but poorly known species. It is not suspected to be in danger of extinction. It is therefore assessed as Least Concern.
Distribution
Endemism
Not endemic to South Africa
Provincial distribution
Limpopo, Mpumalanga
Range
The distribution range of this species is uncertain, as it is easily confused with A. cryptopoda and A. wickensii. It was described from the vicinity of Polokwane in Limpopo Province. According to Kativu (2001) it also occurs in the Mpumalanga Province, as well as in Mozambique and eSwatini (Swaziland).
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Grassland, Savanna
Description
It occurs in sandy soils among rocks in open bushveld. In the Polokwane area it appears to favour granite outcrops. According to Pole-Evans (1914) it also occurs in flat, open places.
Threats
There are no known severe threats to this species.
Population
Population trend
Unknown
Notes
There is taxonomic confusion regarding the identity of Aloe pienaarii. Reynolds (1969) considered it synonymous with Aloe cryptopoda, but according to Kativu (2001), they are not the same species. The species is not recognised by Van Wyk and Smith (2014).
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Aloe pienaarii Pole-EvansLC 2020.1
Bibliography

Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. and Walker, C.C. 2011. Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.


Kativu, S. 2001. Asphodelaceae. In: G.V. Pope (ed). Flora Zambesiaca 12 (Part 3):25-48. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.


Phillips, E.P. 1921. Aloe pienaarii. Flowering plants of South Africa 1:t. 17.


Pole Evans, I.B. 1914. Descriptions of some new Aloes from the Transvaal. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa 5:25-35.


Reynolds, G.W. 1969. The Aloes of South Africa. A.A. Balkema, Cape Town.


Van Wyk, B.-E. and Smith, G.F. 2014. Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. (Third ed.). Briza Publications, Pretoria.


Citation
Mtshali, H. 2019. Aloe pienaarii Pole-Evans. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/05/09

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Distribution map


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