Scientific Name
Aloe suprafoliata Pole-Evans
Common Name(s)
Book Aloe, Book-leaved Aloe, Mustache Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "suprafoliata" (pronounced "soo-pruh-foh-lee-AY-tuh") means "having leaves positioned above one another or lying one over another". It refers to the distinctive arrangement of the leaves in juvenile specimens of this species.
Origin
Aloe suprafoliata is native to South Africa (Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal) and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Usually, it occurs in rock cracks or near sheer cliffs in montane grassland.
Description
Aloe suprafoliata is a usually stemless or short-stemmed succulent with a unique growth habit that changes as it ages. The leaves are arranged in two opposite rows until the first or second flowering, then become spirally twisted and always form a dense rosette in mature specimens. They are bluish-green to bluish-grey near the base and reddish-brown near the tip. The leaves are lance-shaped with margins armed with deltoid, sometimes bifid, reddish-brown teeth, and can measure up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 2.8 inches (7 cm) wide.
The inflorescences are simple, usually 2 to 3 per rosette, and can reach up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The flowers are brilliant pink and appear in winter, arranged in conical racemes. They can reach 2 inches (5 cm) in length. The racemes can measure up to 12 inches (25 cm) in length and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
Hybrids of Aloe suprafoliata
How to Grow and Care for Aloe suprafoliata
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 the plants that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing in the spring. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball can be done carefully. Some Aloes produce 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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