Scientific Name
Aloe claviflora Burch.
Synonym(s)
Aloe decora, Aloe schlechteri
Common Name(s)
Cannon Aloe, Jackal's Tail Aloe, Kraal Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "claviflora" (pronounced "klav-ih-FLOR-uh") means "club-leaved" or "having club-shaped leaves" and refers to the club-shaped flowers of this species.
Origin
Aloe claviflora is native to southern Namibia and South Africa (Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Free State, and near the border of North West province). It occurs on calcrete at the margins of the Kalahari thornveld.
Description
Aloe claviflora is a succulent plant that forms dense clumps of usually stemless rosettes of grey-green leaves that have sharp brown spines along the margins and a few along the tip of the keel. The rosettes are not erect but face outward and can reach a diameter of 10 inches (25 cm). The leaves are somewhat sickle-shaped and can measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide.
The flowers are bright red, yellowing with age, and appear in dense, almost horizontal, usually unbranched, cylindrical racemes in spring. They are club-shaped and can reach up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length. The fruits are typical capsules with tiny, winged seeds. The inflorescences can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long, with a stout peduncle below the raceme that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm).
How to Grow and Care for Aloe claviflora
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Aloes are very forgiving plants. However, as with all succulents, Aloe must never be allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.
Aloes are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot plants in the spring that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, it is possible to carefully divide the root ball. Some kinds of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
It needs intense, bright light. They can withstand full summer sun once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. It prefers warmer temperatures of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) but will survive down to 40°F (4.5°C). Feed with cactus fertilizer only in the summer. Suspend feeding in the winter as the plant goes dormant.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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