Aloe tenuior

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Botanical name

Aloe tenuior

Other names

 

Family 

Asphodelaceae

Dimensions

A rambling or shrublike aloe consisting of several semi-erect, sometimes rambling or prostrate stems emerging from a central rootstock at ground level that is characteristic of this species

Description of stem

The name 'tenuior' indicates the thin stems that will take root along the part of the stem lying on the ground; the leaves are spaced along the stem and clustered into the terminal rosette; dead leaves persist on the stems; stems may exceed 2 m

Description of leaves

Grey-green, lanceolate and fleshy, often unevenly curving inward, with both surfaces smooth and small soft teeth on the edges

Description of flowers

Racemes, usually unbranched of small yellow, orange or red flowers in nearly cylindrical, slightly conical shape; flowers appear mainly from late autumn until the end of winter, although flowers may be found in positive conditions throughout the year

Desciption of seed/fruit

 

Description of roots

 

Variation

Colour variations in flowers and leaves

Propagation and cultivation

Grows very easily from cuttings in varying circumstances, some watering and good drainage will benefit the plant; collecting seeds may be a laborious affair as very few seeds per pod are usually found

Tolerances

Varying temperatures and rainfall conditions

Uses

Garden shrub used in landscaping; in traditional medicine a decoction from the root has been used for treating tapeworm; also used in some way as a purgative

Ecological rarity

Not threatened

Pests and diseases

 

Other

 

Location

Dry grassland and thickets

Distribution

Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal

Country

South Africa

 


Aloe tenuior photo by Ricky Mauer