Family: Asphodelaceae Common names: Common Soap Aloe (Eng.),Bontaalwyn (Afrk.), Amahlala, Icena (z), Ingcelwane (x), Lekhala (ss), Lekhala La Thaba (ss)
The Common Soap Aloe is an all-season show-stopper. Whether it is in flower or not, it always has some beauty to offer all year round.
Aloe maculata is a succulent that grows up to 1m including the flower stalk. The leaves have curled dry tips and are irregularly covered by dull white sports. The leaf margins have hard brown teeth. The inflorescences are branched flowers that have a flat top, which is a very distinctive feature for identifying this Aloe. This is one of the variable Aloe species, flower colour ranges from bright yellow, orange and red. It flowers between May and October. They are pollinated by bees and sunbirds.
In the wild, they favour milder coastal climates but also occurs in higher altitude such as Drakensberg flora. They grow in colonies in a variety of habitats, varying from rocky outcrops to thickets and grasslands.
It is very popular in the horticulture industry probably due to the variety of colours it provides, as well as its unique foliage.
It occurs only in Southern Africa, in only three countries, namely; South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. In South Africa, it occurs in 5 provinces, namely; Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Western Cape KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. It can take both summer and winter rainfall, provided it is planted in a well-drained soil. It prefers sunny conditions, but it also does well in semi-shade.
Aloes are easy to grow and maintain. The best growth medium composition for both sowing seeds as well as for adult plants is equal parts of river sand and compost. Rule of thumb, succulents are more likely to die from overwatering than from underwatering. Drainage and less water are crucial.
Compiled and written by Dineo Dibakwane South African National Biodiversity Institute June 2023
Thanks to Peter Warren for the photos.
References:
- von Staden, L. 2018. Aloe maculata All. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/07/02
- Reynolds, G.W. 1950. The aloes of South Africa. The Trustees of The Aloes of South Africa Book Fund, Johannesburg.
- Van Wyk, B.-E. & Smith, G. 1996. Guide to the aloes of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
- Pooley, E. 2005. A field guide to wild flowers KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern regions. The Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
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