lagerbergii

Lagerbergii is a botanical epithet commonly used in plant taxonomy to denote a species named in honor of Carl Lagerberg, a Swedish botanist and explorer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The epithet appears in various plant species, particularly within the genus *Aloe*, a group of succulent plants native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

One of the most well-known examples is *Aloe lagerbergii*, a species of aloe native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. This aloe is a small, branching succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that form a compact rosette. The leaves are typically grayish-green with white flecks and may develop reddish tips under stress or in full sun. *Aloe lagerbergii* produces tall, slender inflorescences bearing tubular, yellow flowers, often in late summer or early autumn. It is valued by succulent enthusiasts for its compact size and attractive foliage, though it is not widely cultivated outside of specialized collections.

The epithet *lagerbergii* also appears in other plant genera, such as *Drosanthemum lagerbergii*, a small succulent from South Africa belonging to the Aizoaceae family. These species are typically adapted to arid or semi-arid environments, reflecting Lagerberg’s contributions to the study of African flora during his expeditions.

Carl Lagerberg’s work contributed to the documentation of numerous plant species, many of which were new to science. His explorations in southern Africa helped expand botanical knowledge, particularly in regions with diverse and understudied plant life. The epithet *lagerbergii* serves as a lasting tribute to his contributions to the field of botany.