Aloe vryheidensis |
Asphodelaceae
(Aloe dolomitica) |
Aloe vryheidensis can be mistaken for Aloe spicata which has racemes that are similiar, one can distinguish the two by leaves which are not as thick or erect.
The specie name of 'vryheidensis' has been derived from a town in northern KwaZulu-Natal presumably referring to its locality or original collection area.
Aloe vryheidensis has been granted tree status in South Africa and its national tree number is 29.1. |
| Common Names: |
Bruinaalwyn (Brown Aloe). |
| Status: |
Not threatened. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe vryheidensis prefers open areas on dolomite, it has a scattered distribution pattern in the Northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Province. |
Description of Aloe vryheidensis: |
| Stem: |
Stems are single and up to 2 meters in height, old dried leaves are present on stems, in older speciemens the trunk take son a tapered look due to the way the old leaves wither away. |
| Leaves: |
The leaves are a greyish-green colour which may get a reddish tinge during the winter months. Leaves are erect and spreading, leaf surfaces are smooth, leaf margins are armed with numerous small sharp teeth. |
Flower Description: |
| Inflorescence: |
Inflorescence are simple, up to five may be borne from a rosette, racemes are long and cylindrical in shape and tightly packed with numerous flowers. |
| Flower: |
Flowers are quite small and bell-shaped, stamens protrude from the mouth of the flower and they give the appearance of the flower being yellow. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs in the months of July and August. |
Cultivation of Aloe vryheidensis: |
| Light: |
Full sun. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
Aloe vryheidensis grows well in the garden and it bthrives in an alkaline soil, you can add dolomitic lime if your soil is acidic.
Grow in a well-draining medium to help prevent fungal infections.
Post your tips and ideas at the forum. |
Picture: Please contact me if you have images I can use. |
