The distribution of Aloe microstigma lies in the inland Karoo-like, arid environment of the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, as well as in southern Namibia. The plants grow on the flat scrub plains and rocky slopes among the shrubs that characterise this terrain. This photo was taken in March in the Agtervinkrivier region between Worcester and Robertson.
The profusion of plants is typical of what can be seen in its distribution area, the plant not currently being threatened. The winter visitor will be presented with less stressed plants, blooming red and yellow in slightly greener looking veld. This is a truly exhilarating sight.
Stems can be observed on some of the plants in the foreground of this photo. Plants may lean over, trail or be procumbent on stems of up to 50 cm. The dry leaves persist on the stems (Van Wyk and Smith, 2003).