Aloe hereroensis
Also Known As: Hereroland Aloe, Herero Aloe, Sand Aloe, Sandaalwyn
Category: Single Head Stemless Aloes
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9b - 11
Overview
Native to Namibia, Aloe hereroensis is an attractive 'medium-small' glaucous, pale blue-green aloe, usually solitary or with only a few rosettes in a clump that has 'fat', upward curving leaves with white linear flecking.Description
The Aloe hereroensisis is largely solitary and almost stemless but as ages, it may develop a short erect stem and grows to 1 to 2 feet tall. The plants tend to grow single rosettes with up to 30 leaves, but may be branched to comprise up to three similar rosettes. It has smooth pale blue-green leaves that curve upward, are flecked with white lines on the upper surface and capital h-shaped spots on the lower, especially in juvenile plants. Their margins are lined with small, sharp, red-brown spines.
Flowering
Aloe hereroensis blooms in mid-winter to early spring. Flowers are multicolored orange to red and appear in flattened branched racemes that are wider than long. Flowering seems to depend a lot of sunny position, with shaded plants rarely flowering. Shades of orange and red are the most common flower coloring, but there is a pure yellow variety found in the central pro Namib regions. Up to three branched inflorescences can arise from a single rosette. The inflorescence is usually repeatedly branched, resulting in an elaborate panicle presenting a colorful display.Origin / History
Aloe hereroensis is a Namibian aloe primarily, but present in several southern African countries from Angola to South Africa, often found in rocky and sandy soils in dry areas. The name 'hereroensis' refers to the presence of this plant in the regions inhabited by the Hereros people a tribe in the Bantu group, who live in Namibia, Botswana and Angola. In their language the common name for the plant is 'Sandaalwyn' which translates to 'Sand Aloe'. A. hereroensis usually grows in very alkaline soils or sometimes on quartzite in high summer rainfall areas.
Care / Cultivation
Habitats of the Sand Aloe range from sandy plains, to mountain cliffs and rock strewn hills and slopes to to freezing conditions found in southern Namibia. Plant in full sun in a well-drained alkaline soil. Aloe hereroensis prefers a flat sandy or stony habitat but it may also be found on rocky slopes. Irrigate carefully so not to overwater. Aloe hereroensis forms hybrids with other species.Frost Tenderness
Aloe hereroensis is reported as moderately hardy showing no damage to temps in the mid 20s in southern California.Use in the Garden
The Sand Aloe makes a dramatic specimen plant in rock gardens, succulent gardens, Mediterranean gardens or decorative containers. Excellent landscape aloe as has a ghostly appearance in full sun.Read about more Aloes that can be used as a focal points in your garden.
Learn More
The information on this page about Aloe hereroensis has been gathered and summarized from the sources below. Visit these pages to learn more.
- https://namibian.org/nature/plants/aloes/aloe-hereroensis
- https://www.kyffhauser.co.za/Plants1/Aloe_hereroensis_var_hereroensis/Index.htm
- https://garden.org/plants/view/114976/Herero-Aloe-Aloe-hereroensis/
- https://www.agaveville.org/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=1268
- https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?strSearchText=Aloe&plant_id=3144&page=3
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/Aloe-hereroensis
- http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/SUCCULENTS/Family/Aloaceae/31665/Aloe_hereroensis
- https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/58764/
- http://www.plantbook.co.za/aloe-hereroensis/
- https://www.succulents.co.za/aloes/stemless-aloes/aloe-hereroensis.php
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