Scientific Name
Aloe pembana L.E.Newton
Common Names
Pemba Aloe, Pemba Island Aloe
Synonyms
Lomatophyllum pembanum
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
This species is native to Tanzania (formerly widespread across Pemba and surrounding islands, now restricted to a small area on Misali Island).
Description
Aloe pembana, formerly known as Lomatophyllum pembanum, is a succulent with short, erect stems and fleshy, green leaves with white margins and teeth. The leaves are arranged in a rosette that offsets from its base to forms large clumps. Flowers are red and appear in summer in racemes on a multi-branched inflorescence. This succulent is part of a group of Aloes that bear fleshy berries and formerly were classed as a separate group, Lomatophyllum.
The specific epithet "pembana" derives from "Pemba" and the Latin suffix "ana," and refers to the location in which the species was first discovered.
Photo by Michael Burkart
How to Grow and Care for Aloe pembana
Light: When growing Aloes indoors, place your plants near a southern or southwest-facing window that gets plenty of bright, indirect light. Outdoors, provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Plant Aloes in a well-drained soil specially formulated for cacti and other succulents or make your soil mix. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Hardiness: Aloe pembana can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Watering: These succulents do need regular watering but are very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months.
Fertilizing: Aloes generally do not require fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients.
Repotting: These plants are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot them in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diameter every few years to keep it from becoming rootbound.
Propagation: Propagating Aloe can be done by using the offsets, cuttings, or seeds from a mature plant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe pembana
Aloe pembana is not listed as toxic for people and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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