Aloe pretoriensis |
Asphodelaceae |
Aloe pretoriensis has distinct characteristics that can be used to distinguish it from most other Aloes. The dried leaf tips have a distinctive red colour and the racemes are exceptionally tall for this plant. Juvenile plants can be mistaken for Aloe suprafoliata, one can distinguish the two quite easily by looking ast the racemes and inflorescence which is simple and the raceme has a silvery sheen to it.
The specie name 'pretoriensis' refers to its distribution near Pretoria. |
| Common Names: |
- |
| Status: |
Not threatened. |
| Distribution: |
Found in grasslands in the northern parts of Gauteng, Northern Province, Mpumalanga, Swasiland and Zimbabwe. |
Description of Aloe pretoriensis: |
| Stem: |
Solitary stems, old dry persistent leaves are present on the stems. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are erect in neat rosettes, bluish-gren colour with faint stripes, leaf tips die back, leaf surfaces are smooth and the leaf margins are armed with numerous teeth. |
Flower Description: |
| Inflorescence: |
Tall complex inflorescences, racemes are conical in shape. |
| Flower: |
Flowers are orange-red to a bright red colour. Flowers are quite long and are slightly constricted at the mouth. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs in the winter months from May to July. |
Cultivation of Aloe pretoriensis: |
| Light: |
Full sun. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering especially in winter. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
Aloe pretoriensis grows well in frost free gardens and requires careful watering in winter.
Grow in a well draining soil to prevent diseases such as 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. |
