Aloe comosa |
Asphodelaceae
|
Aloe comosa is not easily mistaken for another specie, especially when in flower. The tall inflorescences, up to 3 meters in height, makes this an easily identifiable specie.
The specie name 'comosa' means 'bearing a tuft of leaves' and it refers to the rosette.
Aloe comosa has been granted tree status in South Africa and it's national tree number is 28.7. |
| Common Names: |
'Clanwilliamaalwyn' or Clanwilliam Aloe. |
| Status: |
Considered rare due to illegal collecting and overgrazing. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe comosa has a small population to the North of Clanwilliam in the Western Cape of South Africa. |
Description of Aloe comosa: |
| Stem: |
Sinlgle stemmed plant that can reach up to two meters in height. Stem usually covered with old leaves. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are recurved and grey in colour, upmto 700mm in length. Leaf margins are pinkish in colour and armed with small reddish-brown teeth. Leaf surfaces are smooth. |
Flower Description: |
| Inflorescence: |
Inflorescences are erect and can be up to 3 meters in height. Inflorescences are usually simple but they can be branched up to 5 times. |
| Flower: |
The tightly packed buds are red in colour but they turn a dull pink or whitish colour when they open. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs in the summer months of December and january. |
Cultivation of Aloe comosa: |
| Light: |
Full sun. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering especially in summer months. |
| Frost Protection: |
Required. |
| Notes: |
Aloe comosa grows best in frost free areas and prefers a winter rainfall area, it must be grown in a soil that is well-drained which will help prevent rot.
Post your tips and ideas at the forum. |
| Reference: |
Guide to the Aloes of Southern Africa . |
Picture: Please contact me if you have images I can use. |
