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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Height: 6-10 feet |
| Width: 3-4 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Drought Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Aloe littoralis (Windhoek Aloe) – Aloe littoralis is a tall non-branching tree aloe to 10 feet with rosettes of 2 foot long lanceolate gray-green leaves with reddish brown margins that are upwardly inclined and dry with age to remain hanging down along the length of the stem. Leaves on young plants sometimes white spotted on upper and lower surfaces. In late fall to early winter the branching inflorescence rises 3 to 4 feet above the leaf crown with spikes of coral red flowers. The summer growing aloe is known as hardy to at least 25°F but flowers and developing fruit may be harmed by frost. Plant in full sun in a well drained soil and water little to occasionally in summer months. This plant is native to Northern Province in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana and Angola in rocky alkaline habitats receiving 4 to 20 inches of rain per year. It is the plant pictured on the emblem of Windhoek City, the capital of Namibia, and is also on this country's 5 cent coin. The specific epithet littoralis means "of the sea shore" and is in reference to the the location it was first found in Angola. Other common names include Mopane Aloe or Mopanie-aalwyn
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.
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