Aloe alooides |
Asphodelaceae
(Bolus) Druten
Aloe recurfvifolia, Urginea alooides
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Aloe alooides can be confused with Aloe thraskii which has similiar leaves. Aloe thraskii is a coastal specie that has an inflorescence that is many branched with racemes.
Aloe spicata may also be mistaken for Aloe alooides but it forms clumps that are short-stemmed.
Originally Aloe alooides was placed into the Urginia genus as it was thought to be an spedie that resembled an Aloe. The specie name 'alooides' means 'resembling and aloe'. |
| Common Names: |
The common Afrikaans name is Graskopaalwyn which means Grass Head Aloe when directly translated. |
| Status: |
Not threatened. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe alooides can be found in shallow soil on open dolomite ridges in the mountaineous ares of Mpumalanga. |
Description of Aloe alooides: |
| Stem: |
Solitary stem that can reach a height of up to 2 meters, the upper part is covered with old dried leaves. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are green in colour and can have a reddish tinge in times of drought. Leaves are broad and strongly recurved, so much so that they may actually touch the stem. Leaf surfaces are smooth, leaf margins are armed with small teeth. |
Flower Description : |
| Inflorescence: |
Inflorescence is simple but up to five may be borne from a single plant. Inflorescence is long and slim with numerous small flowers that are tightly packed on the raceme. |
| Flower: |
Flowers are very small, up to 10mm in lenghth, they are stemless and bell-shaped. Flowers are yellow in colour with the style and stamens protruding from the mouth of the flower. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs in the winter months of July and August. |
Cultivation of Aloe alooides: |
| Light: |
Full sun. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering, especially in the winter months. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
Aloe alooides make a spectacular feature in any garden due to the long trailing leaves that are eye-catching.
Aloe alooides does not tolerate frost and a well drained area is required to prevent rot from killing the plant.
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. |
