|
|
 |
|
|
| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) |
| Origin: Madagascar |
| Flower Color: Yellow Green |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Drought Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
|
|
|
|
Aloe cryptoflora (Hidden Flower Aloe) – A low growing stemless or short stemmed aloe from granite slopes at 4,000 to 5,000 feet elevation in the mountainous Fianarantsoa province of southern Madagascar. It has tight rosettes of lanceolate 8-10 inch long by 2 1/2 inches wide dark green leaves that are tinged reddish with a slight spiral twist, with margins and teeth that are dark reddish brown. The small flowers are on an unbranched or once branched inflorescence, barely emerging from tight terminal cone of overlapping green bracts, and are yellow green aging to orange yellow at their tips. Plant in full sun to light shade in a well drained soil. In its natural habitat this plant receives little natural rainfall for months at a time so it should require very little irrigation in the cooler months requires occasional summer irrigation. We have not had this plant outside for any extended cold period but reports are that this plant is hardy to at least 25° F (USDA Zone 9b). Our seed from Brian Kemble of the Ruth Bancroft garden. The specific epithet “crytoflora” means hidden flower is reference to the flowers barely emerging from the surrounding bracts.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.
|
| |
|
|
|
