Scientific Name
Aloiampelos juddii (van Jaarsv.) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm.
Common Name(s)
Koudeberg Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe juddii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloiampelos
Description
Aloiampelos juddii, formerly known as Aloe juddii, is a multi-stemmed succulent that forms a clump of slender stems with dark green leaves with reddish tips and tiny white teeth along the margins. The stems are erect to semy-erect, often sprawl along the ground and over rocks, and reach 2 feet (60 cm) in length and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. They are grey to white, similar in color to the Table Mountain Sandstone rock type on which the plant grows in its native habitat. The clump can reach a diameter of 32 inches (80 cm). In older specimens, the stem bases give rise to an underground fleshy to near-woody caudex, from which young stems readily arise. The leaves are triangular with margins curved upwards, measuring up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are cylindrical, quite long, pendulous when open, red, and often with yellow and green markings at the tips. They appear in short, unbranched racemes on erect, purplish stalks with a few papery bracts, usually in early spring.
Origin
Aloiampelos juddii is endemic to a few rocky outcrops and a farm near Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Etymology
The specific epithet "juddii (JUD-ee-eye)" honors Eric Judd, a Cape-based photographer, naturalist, and botanical artist. He discovered the species in 2004.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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, which they will naturally cascade down over.
These plants can easily be propagated by taking cuttings and seeds. Climbing Aloes generally have both male and female flowers on each plant, but an individual plant is usually not self-fertile.
Learn 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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