Aloe microstigma

Description:

These plants reach a height of about 60cm and usually occur singularly or in small groups. The leaves are arranged in rosettes and are blue-green but can turn reddish brown if suffering from environmental stress. Conspicuous white spots appear on the leaves, which contrast well with the reddish teeth along the margins. The plant usually produces two or three flowers simultaneously from May to July. The inflorescences (stem on which all flowers are borne) are up to 1m. The flowers are bicoloured, with red buds turning orange. In some places, however, the buds and open flowers may be uniformly red or yellow. Aloe microstigma is not threatened.

Habitat:

Aloe microstigma is very common and widely distributed in the dry interior of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, in flat open areas, steep rocky slopes, or amongst bushes. Plants do exceptionally well in cultivation and prefer dry gardens.