Aloe polyphylla |
Asphodelaceae |
Aloe polyphylla is unique in the Aloe genus, the spiral shape of the leaves makes it easy to identify.
The specie name 'polyphylla' means 'many leaves' refering to the numerous leaves on the rosette. |
| Common Names: |
The Afrikaans common name is 'Kroonaalwyn' which means 'Crown Aloe' when translated. |
| Status: |
Endangered species, do not buy field collected plants. Aloe polyphylla does not do well in cultivation due to its special soil needs and it rarely survives more than a few years in cultivation. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe polyphylla can be found in Lesotho on steep basalitic mountain slopes that is 2000m or more above altitude.
Plants occur in a high rainfall area, clouds and mists can cause the annual rainfall to be over 1000mm. |
| Description of Aloe polyphylla: |
| Stem: |
Usually a solitarty rosette forms on a stem that is not visible but occasionally up to 2-3 heads may form. |
| Leaves: |
The most spectacular feature of Aloe polyphylla is the clockwise or anti-clockwise arrangment of the leaves which gives the plant a symmetrical appearance.
Leaves are greyish-green in colour, up to 300mm long and 100mm wide. In juvenile plants the lower leaf surface has a keel that is off-centre. The leaf tips usually drie and becomes a purplish black colour. |
Flower Description : |
| Inflorescence: |
The inflorescence is branched, near to the rosette, into 3 to 8 racemes and is up to 600mm in height. |
| Flower: |
Racemes are densely flowered with tubular flowers that are a pale-red to salmon coloured and up to 35mm in length. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs from September to October |
Cultivation of Aloe polyphylla: |
| Light: |
- |
| Watering: |
- |
| Frost Protection: |
- |
| Notes: |
- |
Picture: Please contact me if you have images I can use. |
