Biology:Aloe succotrina

Short description: Species of succulent

Aloe succotrina Fynbos aloe
The Fynbos aloe in flower in its natural habitat.
Conservation status
CITES Appendix II (CITES)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Asphodelaceae
Subfamily:	Asphodeloideae
Genus:	Aloe
Species:	A. succotrina
Binomial name
Aloe succotrina Lam.
Aloe succotrina is restricted to the mountains of the Cape Peninsula, and the mountainous coast between Kogelberg and Hermanus

Aloe succotrina, the Fynbos aloe, is an aloe which is endemic to Cape Town and the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Description

Aloe succotrina in 1887 botanical illustration from Köhler's Medicinal Plants.

The Aloe succotrina plant forms clusters of between 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft) diameter, with its leaves forming dense rosettes. In winter when it flowers (June to September) it produces a tall raceme, bearing shiny red flowers that are pollinated by sunbirds. Taxonomically, it forms part of the Purpurascentes series of very closely related Aloe species, together with Aloe microstigma, Aloe gariepensis, Aloe khamiesensis and Aloe framesii.

Cultivation and uses

Aloe succotrina can easily be grown as an ornamental plant in Mediterranean climate gardens, rockeries, and in containers. It is particularly striking in winter, when it flowers. Western Cape gardens use it in Fynbos native plant themed natural landscaping.

This species has uses as a medicinal plant.

See also

• Biodiversity of Cape Town
• Cape Floristic Region
• Index: Fynbos - habitats and species.
• Table Mountain
• Table Mountain National Park

Gallery

• 
  Inflorescence detail.
• 
  Foliage detail.
• 
  Adult Fynbos aloes on a Cape Peninsula rock face.

External links

• PlantZAfrica Treatment: Aloe succotrina (Fynbos aloe)

Wikidata ☰ Q24380 entry