ASPHODELACEAE: Aloe saundersiae [Critically endangered]
Smallest of all aloes in South Africa, they are found in rocky places, crevices and open ground amongst short grass within central KwaZulu-Natal.
Aloe saundersiae
The plant grows up to 15 mm high. They are small plants becoming stemless with spindle shaped roots, solitary or small tufted groups. Leaves rosulate, narrowly linear 10-16 to a rosette. Upper surface slightly channelled with longitudinal groove, green without spots, lower surface green, and few white spots near base.
Aloe saundersiae
Margins soft white triangular teeth, distant near base, smaller and crowded upwards. Inflorescence simple 140-180 mm high. Flower pale cream-pink. Flowering in February to March.
Aloe saundersiae
If you have seen this plant, please contact Suvarna Parbhoo, CREW programme: KZN Node Manager s.parbhoo@sanbi.org.za
Reference: JEPPE, B. 1969. South African Aloes. Purnell. Cape Town.
A very dedicated Suvarna Parbhoo of CREW
Interesting … A pale cream pink Aloe. Hope you hear of more sightings of it growing.
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