Aloe commixta |
Asphodelaceae |
Aloe commixta can be confused with Aloe striatula with whom it is closely related. Aloe striatula can be distinguished by the following characteristics; it's leaves become recurved while Aloe commixta's don't, buds are not upright and erect, inflorescences are shorter.
The specie name 'commixta' refers to the intertwined stems. |
| Common Names: |
- |
| Status: |
Not threatened. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe commixta is only found on the Cape Peninsula. |
Description of Aloe commixta: |
| Stem: |
Large shrub with numerous creeping stems that can be up to 3 meters in length are formed. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are green in colour with distinct stripes, slightly fleshy and erect. Leaves margins are armed with fine white teeth, both the leaf surfaces are smooth and unblemished. |
Flower Description : |
| Inflorescence: |
Inflorescence are simple and up to 300mm in length, racemes are cone shaped and are sparsely packed with flowers. |
| Flower: |
Buds are reddish in colour and are erect, flowers are yellow to orange, flowers are tubular in shape and they point downwards. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs during the months of August and September. |
Cultivation of Aloe commixta: |
| Light: |
Full sun to light-shade. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering especially in the summer months. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
Aloe commixta prefers a sandy and acidic soil that is well draining.
Plants occur naturally in a winter rainfall area and struggles to grow in summer rainfall areas
Post your tips and ideas at the forum. |
| References: |
Guide to Aloes of Southern Africa . |
Picture: Please contact me if you have images I can use. |
