Abstract
Aloe marlothii A. Berger (Asphodelaceae) (ALMA), an arborescent CAM succulent, were measured in two populations of historical significance near Molepolole, Botswana with the objective of determining size class distribution and therefore assess future population viability. It was found that plant height and a variety of other plant attributes were strongly correlated, including being reproductive and number of capsules. The most common size class was seedlings for one population, and 11 to 50 cm size class for the other population. There were more individuals in the 101 to 200 cm size class than in some of the small size classes indicating a potential population decline. Seedlings were very patchy in distribution and the majority of ALMA, both seedlings and smaller mature individuals, were found under nurse plants. Seed production was high and seed viability averaged 62%. In a third population in the Mokolodi Nature Preserve, individuals were all >4.5 m in height and were sparsely distributed. It was concluded that the Molepolole populations appear to be stable but that steps should be taken to establish long-term monitoring and protect the Molepolole populations. The Mokolodi population appears to be at risk. Key words: Aloe, Botswana, succulent, conservation, demography, seedlings.
Highlights
ALMA is rated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a species of least concern in South Africa (Kew, 2011) due to the fact that the species appears to be doing well across its South African range
The size distribution was quite different between the two sites with about half of the ALMA being seedlings below 2 cm in height at the Prison site compared to 11% at the School site (Figure 2)
This study showed that for ALMA at the two Molepolole populations, the most common size classes were small
Summary
ALMA is usually less than 6 m in height but occasionally reaches up to 10 m in height. It occurs in large numbers as a dominant and conspicuous plant often on rocky terrain. 42 bird species utilized ALMA nectar at a site in South Africa (Symes and Nicolson, 2008; Symes et al, 2009). ALMA may be a keystone species by supplying perches and nesting sites for birds, nectar for pollinating birds, and food, habitat and moisture for many animals as do other Aloes (Midgley et al, 1997). ALMA is listed in CITES in Appendix II of Newton (2001). Appendix II of Newton (2001) lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled
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