Scientific Name
Aloiampelos gracilis (Haw.) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm.
Synonym(s)
Aloe gracilis, Aloe laxiflora
Common Name(s)
Rocket Aloe, Scrambling Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloiampelos
Etymology
The specific epithet "gracilis" (pronounced "GRASS-il-is") means "slender" and probably refers to the slender, elongated stems of this species.
Origin
Aloiampelos gracilis is native to South Africa. It occurs in the Eastern Cape province in a small area around Port Elizabeth and extends westwards into the Baviaanskloof mountains.
Description
Aloiampelos gracilis, formerly known as Aloe gracilis, is a succulent shrub with slender, semi-erect stems bearing fleshy, narrow, dull green leaves with tiny, soft, white teeth along the margins. The stems grow from the base, often climbing over other vegetation or fences, and can reach 6.67 feet (2 m) in length.
This species can be distinguished from other species in the genus by its long, thin, red flowers borne on branched racemes, usually in winter. The flowers are cylindrical, sometimes banana-shaped, and measure up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Due to their hardiness and the wide range of flower colors, these slender succulents have become popular ornamental plants in South African gardens. The commoner species (such as the more widespread Aloes of the Eastern Cape) are also increasingly grown in gardens overseas.
Climbing Aloes require a sunny, well-drained position and are particularly suitable for rockeries. The taller, climbing species are commonly planted along fences and boundaries, growing through the surrounding foliage. However, the lower, rambling species are better suited for rockeries, slopes, or terraces, where they will naturally cascade.
They can easily be propagated by taking cuttings as well as by seed. Climbing Aloes generally have male and female flowers on each plant, but an individual plant is usually not self-fertile. However, some species are also inter-fertile and can thus form hybrids.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Climbing Aloes.
Links
- Back to genus Aloiampelos
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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