Aloe africana |
Asphodelaceae |
Aloe africana is easily distinguished from its ounterparts by the slender recurved leaves and the tapering inflorescences that are tightly pacdked with stranged upturned flowers.
The specie name 'africana' means 'from Africa' which obviously refers to the location of the habitat.
Aloe africana has been granted tree status and it's national tree number is 28.2. |
| Common Names: |
Uitenhaagsaalwyn or Uitenhage Aloe in English. |
| Status: |
Not threatened. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe africana is found in dense bushveld vegetation from the Gamtoos River eastwards to Port Alfred, it is a common site in the Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth districts. |
Description of Aloe africana: |
| Stem: |
A solitary stem of between two and four meters is formed, leaves are perisitent and the old leaves are visible on the stem. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are spreading and recurved, they are a dull green to green in colour, leaf surfaces may have a few reddish spines present, leaf margins are armed with sharp red spines. |
Flower Description : |
| Inflorescence: |
The inflorescences can be single or branched into 2 to 4 racemes that are strongly tapered. |
| Flower: |
Buds are a yellow to orange colour while the flowers are a yellow colour, flowers are upturned with the stamen and style protruding from the mouth of the flower. |
| Flowering Time: |
The main flowering period is from July to September, plants have been known to flower at other times of the year as well. |
Cultivation of Aloe africana: |
| Light: |
Full sun. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering, especially in the winter months. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
Aloe africana does well in gardens.
Grow plants in areas with good drainage to help prevent rot.
Post your tips and ideas at the forum. |
| Reference: |
Guide to the Aloes of Southern Africa . |
Picture: Please contact me if you have images I can use. |
