Aloe melanacantha is similar in appearance to Aloe erinacea. However, there are several characteristics that may be used to distinguish them. Aloe melanacantha sometimes grows solitary, and the sap from its leaves dries to a rich golden color. On the other hand, Aloe erinacea usually forms a clump, and the sap from its leaves dries to a lemon-yellow color.
Scientific Name
Aloe melanacantha A.Berger
Common Name(s)
Black Thorn Aloe, locally known as the Goree
Synonym(s)
Aloe muricata
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "melanacantha (mel-an-uh-KAN-tha)" means "having black spines" and refers to the black, thorn-like teeth of this species.
Origin
The native range of Aloe melanacantha is from southern Namibia southwards through Namaqualand to Vanrhynsdorp in the Western Cape of South Africa. It grows on rocky hillsides with little soil.
Description
Aloe melanacantha is a succulent plant that forms ball-shaped rosettes of triangular, incurved leaves. The rosettes are short-stemmed and can grow solitary or in groups of 10 or more, reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. The stems are densely covered with the remains of old dry leaves and can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long. The leaves have rough surfaces and can measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide. They are dull dark green to yellowish-green or brownish-green and have keel and margins with large, black, thorn-like teeth measuring up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. The upper surface of the leaves is flat, while the lower surface is convex.
During the winter, Aloe melanacantha produces incurved, cylindrical flowers, usually in oblong raceme on an erect, unbranched stalk that can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The flowers are scarlet in bud and yellowish at flowering. The densely flowered racemes can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length and 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The flowers can grow up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long, while the gray fruits can grow up to 11 inches (2.8 cm) long and up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe melanacantha
Light: When growing Aloe melanacantha indoors, place it in a window with plenty of bright indirect light. Rotate the pot once or twice a week to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors, the plant prefers light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Great drainage is essential for growing this plant because too much moisture for an extended period can cause root rot. Use commercial soil for succulents, or make your own well-draining mix.
Temperature: When temperatures shift below 50 °F (10 °C), it is time to bring this plant inside. It tolerates heat fairly well but will not survive a hard frost. Aloe melanacantha grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: This plant needs regular watering but can tolerate drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and do not let water stand in the rosettes. Cut back on watering during the winter months.
Fertilizing: Although it generally does not require fertilizer, Aloe melanacantha will benefit from extra nutrients. Use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: Repot only as needed during spring. Pick a container that is one size larger and has drainage holes.
Propagation: To propagate Aloe melanacantha, remove the offsets from a mature plant from late spring to early summer. It is also easy to start from seeds. For best results, sow the seeds during the warm months.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe melanacantha
Aloe melanacantha is non-toxic to people but is mild to moderately toxic to pets.
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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