A chemotaxonomic and biochemical evaluation of the identity of Aloe candelabrum (Aloaceae)

Alvaro M. Viljoen, Ben Erik Van Wyk, Herman Van Der Bank, Gideon F. Smith, Michelle Van Der Bank

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In situ morphological analysis of plants from the entire distribution area supports the assumption that Aloe candelabrum, by its reproductive and vegetative characters, falls well within the taxonomic concept of A. ferox. The identical chemical composition of leaf exudate with regard to secondary compounds (chromone and anthrone derivatives) supports this conclusion. Gene products at 23 enzyme-coding loci, analyzed by horizontal starch gel- electrophoresis, revealed no fixed allele differences between A. candelabrum and A. ferox. The differences on which the two species were previously separated can be explained as local variation within a single and widespread taxon. A. candelabrum should therefore be subsumed under A. ferox.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)461-471
Number of pages11
JournalTaxon
Volume45
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Plant Science

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