Scientific Name
Aloe karasbergensis Pillans
Synonym(s)
Aloe striata subsp. karasbergensis
Common Name(s)
Karasberg Aloe, Karasberg Coral Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "karasbergensis" (pronounced "kar-as-berg-EN-sis") means "of or from Karasberge." It refers to the Great Karas Mountains (Groot Karasberge in Afrikaans) in southern Namibia, where the species was first discovered by Neville Stuart Pillans, a botanist who added it to his Rosebank garden in Cape Town in the mid-1920s.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Northern Cape) and southern Namibia.
Description
Aloe karasbergensis, also known as Aloe striata subsp. karasbergensis, is a low-growing succulent that forms beautiful rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves with prominent, dark green longitudinal lines. It usually grows solitary, but the older plants may produce up to 20 offsets around the base. The stems can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long with persistent old leaves and tend to lie horizontally on the ground as the plant ages. The leaves are triangular and curved, measuring up to 20 inches (50 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. The leaf color varies from pale gray-green to bronze and brown with a pinkish tinge when sun-stressed.
The flowers appear from mid to late winter on densely branched inflorescences that can reach up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. They are dull red and tubular with slight basal swelling.
Subspecies of Aloe karasbergensis
- Aloe karasbergensis subsp. hunsbergensis
- Aloe karasbergensis subsp. karasbergensis
How to Grow and Care for Aloe karasbergensis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Aloe is a very forgiving plant. 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. Water generously in the summer and nearly cease watering in the winter. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
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, carefully divide the root ball. Some kinds of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
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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