Aloe succotrina, the Fynbos aloe, is an aloe which is endemism to Cape Town and the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa.
Distribution
Aloe succotrina is naturally found on the
Cape Peninsula, and as far as
Mossel Bay to the east. This aloe is common in Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos vegetation, and typically grows high up on cliff faces and rocky outcrops where seasonal fires do not reach it. It is one of the few Aloes that naturally occur in
fynbos - along with the Fan Aloe and
Aloiampelos commixta of
Table Mountain.
It is one of only three aloes and their relatives, with Aloiampelos commixta and Aloe maculata, that are indigenous to the city of Cape Town.
Description
The
Aloe succotrina plant forms clusters of between diameter, with its leaves forming dense rosettes. In winter when it flowers (June to September) it produces a tall raceme, bearing shiny red
that are pollinated by
.
Taxonomically, it forms part of the Purpurascentes series of very closely related Aloe species, together with Aloe microstigma, Aloe gariepensis, Aloe khamiesensis and Aloe framesii.[Reynolds, G.W. 1950. The aloes of Southern Africa. Balkema, Cape Town.]
Cultivation and Uses
Aloe succotrina can easily be grown as an
ornamental plant in Mediterranean climate gardens,
Rock garden, and in containers. It is particularly striking in winter, when it flowers. Western Cape gardens use it in Fynbos
native plant themed natural landscaping.
The plant prefers a sunny, well drained spot. Space should be provided for maturity, as it eventually grows into a large and dense cluster.
The Fynbos aloe can be propagated both by cuttings/offshoots or by seed.
This species has uses as a medicinal plant.[Köhler, Franz Eugen (1887) Köhler's Medicinal Plants]
See also
-
Biodiversity of Cape Town
-
Cape Floristic Region
-
Fynbos - habitats and species.
-
Table Mountain
-
Table Mountain National Park
==Gallery==
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