Bradleya 26/2008 pages 121 128 Aloes of the World: African Plants Initiative. An international webbased collaboration to promote scholarly research on Aloe L. Gideon F. Smith 1,2, Michele Walters 3, Ronell R. Klopper 3 and Neil R. Crouch 4,5 1 Office of the Chief Director: Biosystematics and Biodiversity Collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa (email:smithg@sanbi.org). 2 Acocks Chair, H.G.W.J. Schweickerdt Herbarium, Department of Botany, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002 South Africa. 3 Biosystematics and Biodiversity Collections Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa (email: walters@sanbi.org & klopper@sanbi.org). 4 Ethnobotany Unit, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 52099, Berea Road, 4007 South Africa (email: crouch@sanbi.org). 5 School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa. Summary: In November 2007, a group of about 40 international experts on the genus Aloe L. met in South Africa for a workshop to seek consensus on achievable, key objectives for the Aloes of the World Project (AWP). This was the first event of its kind where Aloe alone was approached on this scale. The Aloes of the World Project aims ultimately to compile as much information as is possible to facilitate internet-based scholarly research on the genus. The process and subsequent outcomes of the Pretoria workshop are discussed. Delegates acknowledged that an interim compromise may be achieved initially, where a minimum of essential elements are hosted on the Aluka (African Plants Initiative) website, with later upgrading of the information base in line with ongoing development of Aluka. Zusammenfassung: Im November 2007 traf sich eine Gruppe von etwa 40 internationalen Spezialisten der Gattung Aloe L. in Südafrika zu einem Workshop, um einen Konsens über erreichbare Schlüsselziele für das Aloe of the World- Projekt (AWP) zu erreichen. Es handelte sich um die erste Veranstaltung in dieser Art, welche sich in diesem Umfang auf die Gattung bezog. Das Aloe of the World-Projekt hat das Endziel, soviele Informationen wie möglich zusammenzutragen, um Internet-basierte wissenschaftliche Forsch - ung zur Gattung zu erleichtern. Das Vorgehen und die Resultate des Workshops in Pretoria werden diskutiert. Die Delegierten akzeptierten ein vorläufiges Vorgehen, das die Aufnahme eines minimalen Sets an unverzichtbaren Daten auf der Webseite von Aluka (African Plant Initiative) vorsieht. Diese Informationsbasis soll später im Rahmen der Weiterentwicklung von Aluka komplettiert werden. Introduction The genus Aloe L. has an exclusively Old World distribution with significant present-day centres of high diversity in South Africa, eastern Africa, Saudi Arabia and Madagascar. In the region of 550 taxa are generally recognised as valid. Between 19 and 22 November 2007, a group of about 40 Aloe experts (Figure 1) from 12 different countries met at the National Herbarium of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in Pretoria for a workshop to determine scholarly needs in relation to ongoing research on aloes, and how this could be facilitated through the internet-based Aloes of the World Project (AWP). The main objective of the meeting was to secure broad international support for the compilation and dissemination of a comprehensive electronic facility that pulls together all relevant information and available images of this predominantly African genus on a global scale, and in a user-friendly information base. This web-based facility is intended to serve the needs of a broad range of scholarly stakeholders, as part of the African Plants Initiative (API). It was the intention of the workshop that both the process of the AWP establishment, and the ultimate value of the dynamic product, will strengthen a collaborating Bradleya 26/2008 121
network of established and emerging experts to ensure a bright future for research on Aloe. In 2006, the Aloes of the World Project was proposed as a component of the API, which is itself a facet of the internet data repository Aluka. Aluka is an international, collaborative initiative building an online digital library of scholarly resources from and about Africa (www.aluka.org). After provision of initial funding by the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the process of compiling background documentation for consideration by the delegates was initiated: over a six-month period leading up to the November 2007 meeting, dozens of electronic pages were mailed to participants as the contents of the project were debated and refined. Specialists from as far afield as the USA, South Africa, UK, Norway and Saudi Arabia agreed to participate in the project, bringing to it an abundance of enthusiasm and goodwill. It was not the intention of the Workshop to establish a consensus classification of Aloe. As taxonomy is a branch of botanical science that benefits from the carefully considered, if at times Figure 1. Group photograph of the delegates who attended the Aloes of the World Project Workshop in November 2007. Front row ( ltr) : Rina Marais (SANBI, Pretoria), Gideon Smith (SANBI, Pretoria), Sean Gildenhuys (Gariep Plants, Pretoria), Michele Walters (SANBI, Pretoria), Ronell Klopper (SANBI, Pretoria). 2nd row, left side: Susan Carter-Holmes (Kew), John Lavranos (Portugal), Tom McCoy (Saudi Arabia). 3rd row, left side: Kotie Retief (Gariep Plants, Pretoria), Mike Kimberly (Editor Excelsa, Zimbabwe), Olwen Grace (Kew). 4th row, left side: Neil Crouch (SANBI, Durban), Rosemary Kimberly (Zimbabwe), Leo Thamm (Johannesburg). 5th row, left side: Willem Jankowitz (Namibia), Alvaro Viljoen (Pretoria), Pieter Winter (SANBI, Pretoria). 6th row, left side: John Miller (IAS, California), Brian Kemble (IAS, California), Mike Kamstra (McGregor, W. Cape).7th row, left side: Christo Botes (Pietermaritzburg, KZN), Stefan Siebert (Potchefstroom, Northwest Prov.), Erich van Wyk (SANBI, Pretoria). 2nd row, right side: Quinton Bean (Johannesburg), Jason Sampson (Johannesburg), Inger Nordal (Norway). 3rd row, right side: Andy de Wet (Johannesburg), Alexandre Viossat (Flore Bizarre, Port Edward, KZN), Subhra Bhattacharya (Aluka), Ernst van Jaarsveld (SANBI, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden). 4th row, right side: Eric Judd (Cape Town), Giuseppe Orlando (Canary Islands, Spain), Charlotte Bjora (Norway), Gladys Msekandiana (Malawi). 5th row, right side: Colin Walker (Editor, Bradleya, U.K.), Stewart Lane (Malawi), Len Newton (Kenya). 6th row, right side: Fikre Dessalegn (Ethiopia). Absent: Andrew Hankey (SANBI, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden), Emily Wabuyek (Kenya). 122 Bradleya 26/2008
somewhat subjective analysis of results obtained by individual researchers, a degree of personal interpretation is inherent. Some level of classificatory controversy is therefore more than likely to remain as the delimitation of species is debated. This is not taken to be negative as it serves to focus attention on those taxa that can be interpreted at different ranks in a taxonomic hierarchy well exampled within sections Pictae (maculate group) and Latebracteatae (cryptopoda group) of Aloe. With a reconciliatory approach to interpreting aloes and Aloe taxonomy, delegates drew upon personal experience and knowledge and focussed on the consolidation of relevant information on this, a flagship African genus. The November 2007 workshop of experts that convened in Pretoria to establish a solid base from which the AWP could be launched, represented a world first. Symposia dealing with single genera are not unusual. Such events are, however, less common for non-commercial crops and even less so if the groups do not include a majority of economically important species. The AWP workshop was the first event of its kind to deal exclusively with Aloe. Workshop aims The main aims of the Workshop were to: Determine which characters, as part of a comprehensive taxonomic description template, best describe species of Aloe. Decide on those characters that represent the minimum required to adequately describe a taxon. Discuss those diagnostic characters and their states that would enable the identification of aloes across their geographical distribution range. Introduce delegates to the concept of electronic identification keys. Determine which characters should be included in an electronic Aloe identification key. Determine the boundaries of meaningful in-country political, or other, units according to which aloe distributions can be reflected graphically. Introduce delegates to the Aluka website as a repository for botanical information. Determine what information could be hosted by the Aluka website. Determine what information is compatible with the current Aluka user interface and what possible additions to the user interface can be accommodated by Aluka. Create a positive atmosphere in which young experts and established scientists can be absor bed into an information generating network. Obtain commitment from the expert group on contributing information, distribution maps and images to the Project. To decide on a time frame for the execution of the project. Outcomes A sub-group developed abbreviated (Box 1) and comprehensive (Box 2) templates for appropriate taxonomic descriptions of Aloe taxa. The need for online glossaries was identified and these were subsequently identified (Box 3). Delegates were introduced to the concept and workings of interactive electronic identification keys, and subsequently decided upon those diagnostic characters and their states that would enable the identification of all aloes across their geographical distribution range. This group decision informs the current compilation of the electronic key. Delegates volunteered to submit, according to their individual expertise, the boundaries of meaningful in-country political, or other, units according to which Aloe geographical distribution ranges can be reflected graphically. Delegates were introduced to the Aluka website as a repository for botanical information and given a real-time demonstration of its functionality. Through discussions, delegates decided on content they would like to see hosted by Aluka. The minimum requirements (Box 4) for a user interface as well as an ultimate (Box 5) user interface were drawn up. Aluka was tasked with investigating what content would be compatible with the current Aluka user interface, and what possible additions to the user interface could be accommodated in future. Each delegate tentatively indicated their individual contributions with respect to information, distribution maps and images. It was agreed that once final description templates and sample descriptions had been produced, delegates would be able to formalise their commitments. The need for an abbreviated historical account of the genus Aloe as a whole was identified, which is to be included in the AWP. An initial project time-frame was compiled Bradleya 26/2008 123
(Table 1). A more concrete work plan for the execution of the project is envisaged for the near future, once delegates have formalised their commitments. A decision was made to launch a monthly newsletter to keep contributors up-to-date with progress, requests for help, issues to be discussed, etc. The workshop succeeded, given the positive nature of interactions, to create an information-generating network consisting of both young experts, and established scientists. Box 1. Final abbreviated Aloe description template. Growth habit Plant height, excluding inflorescence Caulescent or acaulescent If acaulescent: plant solitary or suckering If caulescent: arborescent (with main stem or trunk) or shrubby (many branches from base) If arborescent: stem single or branched Stem orientation (e.g. erect, ascending, decumbent, pendulous) Dried leaves persistent on stems, or shed Leaves Condensed rosulate or cauline dispersed (i.e. more widely spaced along stem) Orientation (e.g. erect, spreading) Markings (spots, lines), if present Surface texture (i.e. smooth or rough) Shape Length and width at base Sheath (if visible): length, colour and fibrousness Marginal teeth: colour and size, if teeth present Teeth spacing at midpoint of blade Exudate colour: fresh and dried Inflorescence Overall length Orientation Simple or branched If branched: number of branches Secondary branching, if present Raceme (rarely a spike) Shape (e.g. cylindrical, conical, capitate or with secund flowers) Length (terminal and laterals; mention if terminal raceme is longest) Densely or laxly flowered (do not use sub-dense or sub-lax) Floral bracts Dimensions: length and width at base Pedicels Length when flowers open Flowers: Perianth (s) of open flowers and buds, if different Length Diameter across ovary Shape (e.g. cylindrical, clavate, trigonous) Fusion of segments Stamens Included or exserted (length) Style Included or exserted (length) Fruit Capsule or berry Shape and colour 124 Bradleya 26/2008
Box 2. Final comprehensive Aloe description template. Growth habit Plant height, excluding inflorescence Rosette diameter and orientation Stem Caulescent or acaulescent If acaulescent: plant solitary or suckering If caulescent: arborescent (with main stem or trunk) or shrubby (many branches from base) If arborescent: stem single or branched (from where) Stem diameter (middle: ground to below rosette) Stem orientation (e.g. erect, ascending, decumbent, pendulous) Dried leaves persistent on stems, or shed Leaves Condensed rosulate or cauline dispersed (i.e. more widely spaced along stem) Orientation (e.g. erect, spreading) (both surfaces, including significant seasonal and other changes and differences) Markings (spots, lines): presence, arrangement (both surfaces, juvenile & adult if different) Surface texture (i.e. smooth or rough) Surface spines: arrangement (i.e. in median line, dispersed) and colour Shape Length and width at base Sheath (if visible): markings, colour, length and fibrousness Margin colour Marginal teeth: colour, orientation and size, if teeth present Teeth spacing at midpoint of blade Exudate colour: fresh and dried Inflorescence Number of inflorescences per rosette (sequence) Overall length Orientation Simple or branched If branched: number of branches Branches arising above / at / below middle of peduncle Orientation of branches (i.e. erect, spreading) Secondary branching, if present Peduncle Length and width at base Shape (i.e. slender, stout) Sterile bracts: number, colour, venation, shape, dimensions and consistency (e.g. papery) Raceme (rarely a spike) Shape (e.g. cylindrical, conical, capitate or with secund flowers) Length (terminal and laterals; mention if terminal raceme is longest) Width Orientation Densely or laxly flowered (number of flowers in 5 cm) Flower and bud disposition Floral bracts Shape Dimensions: length and width at base Consistency (e.g. papery) Nerves and other markings Continued on next page Bradleya 26/2008 125
Box 2 cont. Pedicels Length when flowers open Flowers: Perianth (s) of open flowers and buds, if different Markings (if important) Length Diameter across ovary Shape (e.g. cylindrical, clavate, trigonous) Fusion of segments Shape of segment tips (e.g. recurved) Stamens Filaments: shape and colour Included or exserted (length) Pistil / gynaecium Ovary: size and colour Style colour Style included or exserted (length) Fruit Capsule or berry Shape and colour Dimensions Seed Wings: presence, shape and colour Shape and dimensions Chromosome number Box 3. Glossaries to be used while compiling descriptions. The following e-glossaries have been identified as good sources, with illustrations of some characters: 1. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website Glossary http://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/apweb/welcome.html 2. Flora of Australia Online Glossary http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/glossaries/vascular/index.html For contributors who do not have access to the internet, the glossaries published in the following publications may be used: 1. Beentje, H. & Cheek, M. (2003). Glossary, In: H. Beentje & S.A. Ghazanfar (eds.) Flora of Tropical East Africa. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2. Lawrence, G.H.M. (1951). Taxonomy of vascular plants. MacMillan, New York. (Glossary: pp. 737 775). Box 4. Minimum requirements for a user interface and website layout for the Aloe component of the API. Underlined headings are tabs on the website, and given in bold are characteristics or information not supported presently by the Aluka website s user interface. Main species 1. Accepted scientific name and author citation 2. Synonyms 3. Protologue reference 4. Description 5. Flowering time Specimens 6. Location of type specimens Visuals 7. Images plant in habitat and/or cultivation, plant in flower, close-up of flower sequence Flora 8. Other published accounts; excluding protologue Ecology 9. Geographical Distribution Range (text and maps) 10. Habitat Bibliography 126 Bradleya 26/2008
Box 5. User interface to the ideal Aloe information set as envisaged by delegates. Underlined headings are tabs on the Aluka website and given in bold are characteristics or information not currently supported by the Aluka website s user interface. Main species tab 1. Accepted scientific name and author citation 2. Synonyms 3. Taxonomic history 4. Common names 5. Protologue reference 6. Type locality 7. Derivation of the name 8. Description 9. Flowering time 10. Close relationships (literature references or pers. obs.) 11. Icones 12. Chromosome number (literature references) Specimens 13. Location of type specimens Visuals 14. Images plant in habitat and/or cultivation, plant in flower, close-up of flower sequence 15. Known pollinators (visuals) 16. Natural hybrids Use 17. Uses traditional, medicinal etc. 18. Commercial uses 19. Horticultural information cultivation and propagation Flora 20. Published accounts other than protologue 21. Inclusion in surveys chemical, molecular Ecology 22. Geographical Distribution Range (text and map) 23. Notes on natural history (text) 24. Known pollinators (text, link to visuals) 25. Habitat 26. Major vegetation type 27. Conservation status 28. Climate 29. Grazing 30. Fire ecology 31. Sympatric Aloe species 32. Sympatric non-aloe indicator species 33. Natural hybrids (link to visuals) Description (possibly as a separate tab) 34. General cytology (literature references) 35. Chemical properties (text and chemical profiles/ list of constituents) 36. Molecular information (possibly under literature references) 37. Micro-morphology (link to visuals) Bibliography The future The workshop purposefully included young Aloe scientists in the project. The constructive atmosphere evident during the proceedings made the young experts feel part of the process and enabled them to forge working relationships with more established scientists. The project hopes to sustain interest among young scientists and thus support a vibrant scientific Aloe research community well into the future. Bradleya 26/2008 127
Table 1. Initial time-frame for the execution of the Aloes of the World Project. Task Due date Champion Status 1 Administrative finalisation of workshop 29 Nov 2007 Marais, Smith, Walters complete 2 Fields & tabs list to Aluka 29 Nov 2007 Walters, Klopper complete 3 Investigation of electronic glossaries 30 Nov 2007 Winter, Walters complete 4 Finalise report 24 Dec 2007 Marais, Walters, Smith complete 5 Finalise political boundaries of countries 31 Dec 2007 As designated in progress 6 Circulate final draft of comprehensive 31 Jan 2008 Klopper, Walters, Smith, complete description and character list Newton (convenor), Carter Lavranos, McCoy, Winter, 7 Circulate abbreviated description and 31 Jan 2008 Klopper, Walters, Smith, complete character list Newton (convenor), Carter Lavranos, McCoy, Winter, 8 Technical report (in Bradleya) April 2008 Smith, Walters, Klopper, complete Crouch 9 Timely feedback to Aluka on new content May 2008 Walters, Smith future 10 Feedback regarding content compatibility June 2008 Bhattacharya future with and additions to the Aluka website 11 Feedback to Aluka, recast timeframe, June 2008 Smith, Klopper, Walters, future project plan (how long, how much) Demissew 12 Feedback from Aluka June 2008 Bhattacharya future 13 Finalisation of diagnostic characters June 2008 Klopper future and their states for use in the electronic key 14 First content sent to Aluka Sept 2008 SANBI future 15 Abbreviated historical information on Aloe Nov 2009 Walker future 16 Project finalised Nov 2010 Smith, Klopper future With delegates now collaborating in a networked initiative to create the ultimate Aloe data set, the future looks bright to establish a facility through which scholarly information on the genus can be made widely available. A framework is being established to enable the compilation of information on Aloe by experts holding data sets that span the entire subject spectrum. These delegates can offer the internet data repository, Aluka, the following: Significantly enhanced in-depth content and information on a flagship African plant group. The emergent product could serve as a template for selected taxa in Aluka s newly launched Latin American Plants Initiative (LAPI), or further African (API) subjects. Services in terms of quality control and verification of information, and submitting data to Aluka through existing channels. Expertise is held by actively researching, motivated specialists with unsurpassed, hands-on field experience, covering all aspects of the genus. This augers well for high quality data curation of the online AWP. The Aloes of the World Project is not intended as an ephemeral event. With commitment from the global aloe fraternity, this collective effort stands every chance of leading in a new chapter of aloeology. Given the available power of the global electronic ether, it will be used increasingly to make information on aloes, and any plant group for that matter, much more accessible. Acknowledgements Financial support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, New York, to the African Plants Initiative is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are due to the South African National Biodiversity Institute and the Norwegian Universities Program for North-South Collaboration (NUFU) for financial support for the AWP. A word of thanks is also due to the Succulent Society of South Africa, British Cactus and Succulent Society, Aloe ferox Trust and Delfini Solutions (Pty) Ltd., all of which provided publications and products to the delegates. 128 Bradleya 26/2008