Aloe brevifolia Mill.
Asphodelaceae - CITES App. II

Distribution:  Southern Cape Aloe brevifolia grows on koppies and slopes in clay in stony ground.  This aloe is a coastal spp and is found from Bredarsdorp to the Riversdale area.  Occurs in a winter and summer rainfall area (375 mm).

Description:  A neat compact aloe (40 cm - 50 cm in height) that grows in groups of 10 rosettes (100 mm in diameter), these are formed by offsets at the base.  The leaves are glaucos-green, often tinged pink,  with white teeth on the margin.  The sap is clear.

Flower:  The inflorescence is 400 mm long with a conical raceme.  The racemes are orange-scarlet.  Flowers in October and November.

Cultivation:  Full sun to light shade, drought resistant, frost resistant, min temp -1C - 4C (USDA 9-10).

Common names:  Kleinaalwyn and Nuine-aalwyn.

Photographer:  Phillipe Faucon of   Phoenix Tropical Gardens