Aloe microstigma |
Asphodelaceae
Salm-Dyck
(Aloe brunnthaleri, Aloe juttae) |
Aloe microstigma is easily distinguished from Aloe khamiesensis and Aloe framesii by its size, it is smaller, its racemes are thinner and the leaves are more densely spotted.
Aloe gariepensis is also similiar but the leaves are more highly marked in older plants and its buds are not hidden by flower bracts.
Aloe microstigma means 'very small spot' and refers to the numerous smsll white spots on the leaf surfaces. |
| Common Names: |
- |
| Status: |
Not threatened. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe microstigma is a common in the interior of the Western and Eastern Cape and can be found in a variety of habitats. |
Description of Aloe microstigma: |
| Stem: |
Plants are usually solitary but they occasionally form clumps. Stems are short but can be up to 500mm in length in older specimens. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are 300mm long and 60mm wide at the base. Leaves are reddish-green in colour, during dry spells the leaves are a reddish colour. Leaf surfaces are marked with many small white speckles. Leaf surfaces are smooth, leaf margins are armed with sharp reddish-brown triangular teeth. |
Flower Description : |
| Inflorescence: |
Inflorescence is simple with one raceme, up to three inflorescences are borne from the rosette simultaneously. |
| Flower: |
Recemes re bicoloured, the dull red buds turn yellow when the flowers open. Flowers are tubular in shape and slightly swollen in the middle. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs throughout May to July. |
Cultivation of Aloe microstigma: |
| Light: |
Light shade to full sun. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
When grown in a sheltered area and kept out of cold winds Aloe microstigma does well in cultivation. |
| Reference: |
Guide to Aloes of Southern Africa . |
Picture: Aloe microstigma
Picture: Close-up of Aloe microstigma leaf.
Picture: Please contact me if you have images I can use.
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