Allied to A. laeta, A. imalotensis (synonym: A. contigua) has similar foot-wide rosettes and broad, ovate, finely lineate leaves, the pinkish margins lined with fine teeth. Reynolds compares the species to the South African A. striata, of which it resembles a smaller version except for its less fleshy leaves and marginal teeth. The inflorescences are two-branched (or solitary or, rarely, three-branched), bearing short conical racemes of flowers with a lovely Cate Blanchett-like pallor. Plants from controlled pollination of HBG 76400, from seed collected by M. Kimnach (3418) near the border of the Isalo Reserve, W of Ranohira, Madagascar. $7.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 74 (2), March - April, 2002