Aloidendron ramosissimum (formerly Aloe ramosissima), or the maiden’s quiver tree,
Distribution
A is
endemism to the
Richtersveld, at the border between northwestern
South Africa and southern
Namibia,
where it grows on desert slopes and in ravines, as well as some open, flat areas.
In Namibia, it is known from the southern inland Ilkaras (Karas) Region, north of the border with South Africa.
Its range continues into the
Northern Cape province, having been observed as far south as Springbok.
Description
A. ramosissimum is similar in appearance to
A. dichotomum, or even the larger
A. barberae, but grows bushier and shorter in stature. The plant rarely exceeds 60 centimeters (approx. 2 ft) in height; select, undisturbed specimens may reach 1.22-1.5 m (between 4-5 ft).
's validity as a distinct species has also been debated;
it has been treated as both a variety and a
subspecies of
A. dichotomum.
Conservation
Despite the
aridity of its native habitat, the areas of
Southern Africa where this species grows may eventually be threatened by
mining and its associated
Pollution practices, as well as the increased presence of
livestock contributing to
overgrazing. Given the area's lack of water for a large part of the year, many species of herbivorous
Ungulate—both domesticated and wild—readily consume the
Endemism succulent plants
found there for their moisture content, ranging from immature sprouts to larger, more substantial specimens; for this reason, many of Southern Africa's plant species have evolved strange or bizarre appearances (e.g.
Lithops,
Pleiospilos, etc.) or woody trunks (such as the
Aloidendron) to more effectively
camouflage and protect themselves from grazing herbivores. Nonetheless, immature specimens or very small
Aloidendron plantlets that are consumed and/or trampled by grazing animals will never reach maturity, and thus will not be able to reproduce and further the species' distribution. The IUCN considers the species endangered.
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