Aloe khamiesensis

Also Known As: Namaqua Aloe

Category: Single Head Tree Aloes

USDA Hardiness Zones: 9b - 11

Overview

Native to the Northern Cape of South Africa, Aloe khamiesensis will slowly reach a height of 3 m (10 feet) and are usually single-stemmed with only one rosette. The long and relatively narrow, pale green leaves curve upwards from the base and outward at their tips giving this Aloe a graceful appearance.

Description

Aloe khamiesensis are erect plants that usually from a rosette on a single stem that can be up to 3 meters tall, occasionally branches into two heads. The plant is very tough and can survive often for several seasons without water, at which point the leaves turn a reddish color, a sign generally associated with stress. The leaves are lancheolate and a dark dull green with white spots with reddish-brownish teeth on the margins, making this species quite distinctive. Aloe khamiesensis is attractive species from rocky areas of the northern Cape with a thick usually unbranched trunk.

Flowering

The flowers of Aloe khamiesensis appear in mid-winter and are held near the top of a branched conical raceme that terminates in erect clusters of orange-red yellow-tipped flowers. In some specimens the flower tips are tinged a greenish-yellow color. The inflorescences are repeatedly branched to form between four and eight racemes. Racemes are triangular in shape with tubular shaped flowers. Aloe khamiesensis produces nectar and is pollinated by birds as well as winged and crawling insects such as ants which are small enough to enter the flower tube in which the nectar is stored. As with other aloes, the seeds are typically winged, 8 mm x 4 mm, and are produced in abundance inside the fruit capsules that split into three when ripe.

Origin / History

This aloe has a fairly restricted distribution in the mountainous areas of Namaqualand and from near Calvinia in the Northern Cape of South Africa on mostly granite and sandstone derived soils. The plant's name refers to the Khamiesberg and Khamieskroon locations where this aloe was originally collected. Other common names for this plant include Tweederly, Aloeboom (meaning Aloe Tree) and Wilde-aalwyn (meaning Wild Aloe). It’s considered a threatened species.The number of individuals has started to decrease because of uncontrolled collection.

Discover more South African Aloes

Care / Cultivation

Aloe Khamiesensis requires a well-drained soil, composed of one third of sand or pebbles, to prevent roots rotting. Also leaf rotting can occur, if you wet too much the leaves while watering and you water too much frequently. Watering can be almost completely suspended in winter (once a month it’s sufficient) and, in spring and summer, watering once or twice every two weeks is sufficient. Before each watering, it’s better to wait until the soil is completely dry. Aloe Khamiesensis needs bright light, especially in winter. OK outdoors in mild areas.

Frost Tenderness

There is not a good frost hardiness data on this plant but older specimens can be found in southern California and it is likely this plant can handle at least infrequent temperatures down to 25 F. It can survive temperatures close to 0C but, to prevent damages, it’s better to keep it indoors, especially if you live in a region with cold winters.

Use in the Garden

Aloe khamiesensis makes a very attractive garden specimen if successfully cultivated, however collecting this aloe is wasteful and causes unnecessary damage, because they do not thrive away from their natural habitat.

Read about more Aloes that can be used as a focal points in your garden.

Learn More

The information on this page about Aloe khamiesensis has been gathered and summarized from the sources below. Visit these pages to learn more.

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