Aloe reitzii |
Asphodelaceae |
Aloe reitzii is similiar to Aloe aculeata, Aloe gerstneri and Aloe petricola. Aloe reitzii can be distinguished from the Aloes by the shape of its flowers and the fact that they are bicoloured, the outer part is bright red and the inner part being yellow.
Aloe reitzii has been named after F.W. Reitz. |
| Common Names: |
- |
| Status: |
The conservation status for Aloe reitzii is unknow but Aloe reitzii var. reitzii is considered critically rare. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe reitzii grows on rocky slops in grassland areas, it is found in northern KwaZulu-Nataland the Belfast District in Mpumalanga. |
Description of Aloe reitzii: |
| Stem: |
Solitary rosettes develop on short inconspicuous stems, rarely will the plant divide into multiple heads. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are long and broad being up to 120mm wide at the base. Leaf surfaces are smooth except for a line of thorns that appear near the tip of the lower leaf surface. Leaf margins are armed with sharp reddish-brown teeth that are 3mm long. |
Flower Description : |
| Inflorescence: |
Simple inflorescence in juvenile plants while the inflorescence can be branched up to six times in mature specimens. Raceme can be up to 400mm in length with neatly packed flowers. |
| Flower: |
Curved flowers are long, narrow and tubular in shape, up to 50mm in length, dark red but gradually turning yellow in colour. Flowers point downwards and look as if they are pressed against the raceme. |
| Flowering Time: |
Aloe reitzi flowers during February and March but Aloe reitzii var. reitzii flowersduring the winter months. |
Cultivation of Aloe reitzii: |
| Light: |
Full sun. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
Aloe reitzii grows well in cultivation. |
Picture: Please contact me if you have images I can use. |
