Aloe thraskii |
Asphodelaceae |
Aloe thraskii is closely related to Aloe excelsa and Aloe rupestris, Aloe thraskii can be distinguished from the above two by its leaves that are severly recurved.
The specie name of 'thraskii' is named after someone with the surname of Thraskii.
Aloe thraskii has been granted tree status in South Africa and its national tree number is 30.7. |
| Common Names: |
Strand Aloe (Strandaalwyn), Dune Aloe. |
| Status: |
Not threatened but urbanisation coastal areas has lead some populations to become extinct. |
| Distribution: |
Can be found in coastal bush on the dunes on the coastline from the northern Parts of the Eastern Cape into the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. |
Description of Aloe thraskii: |
| Stem: |
Stems are robust and single that is usually 2 meters in height but can reach up to 4 meters in older specimens. Stems are covered with dry persistent leaves. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are a dull-green colour, highly recurved with a u-shape. A keel may be present with small reddish-brown spikes, leaf margins are armed with numerous small reddish-brown teeth, upper leave surface is smooth. |
Flower Description: |
| Inflorescence: |
Inflorescence is complex and can be branched into 15 to 25 racemes. Up to 3 to 4 inflorescences are borne from each rosette. Racemes are relatively short. |
| Flower: |
Flowers are quite small and yellow in colour, the flowers mouth tips are tinged green, stamens protrude from the flowers mouth and are orange in colour. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs in June and July. |
Cultivation of Aloe thraskii: |
| Light: |
Full sun. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
Aloe thraskii grows well in cultivation and is suited for growth in coastal towns.
Plant Aloe thraskii in an area where the soil is well-draing to help prevent fungal infections.
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. |
