Spiral Aloe Polyphylla:
Aloe polyphylla, the spiral aloe, kroon aalwyn, lekhala kharetsa, or many-leaved aloe, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Aloe that is endemic to the Kingdom of Lesotho in the Drakensberg mountains. An evergreen succulent perennial, it is well known for its strikingly symmetrical, five-pointed spiral growth habit.
Aloe polyphylla is commonly known as the spiral aloe in English, kroonaalwyn in Afrikaans, or lekhala kharetsa in Sesotho. The species epithet polyphylla means "many-leaved" in Greek. Taxonomically, it forms part of the Rhodacantha series of very closely related Aloe species, together with Aloe glauca, Aloe lineata and Aloe pratensis.
Aloe polyphylla is a stemless aloe and grows its leaves in a very distinctive spiral shape which may be clockwise or anti-clockwise. The plants do not seem to sucker or produce offshoots, but from the germination of their seeds, they can form small, dense clumps. The fat, wide, serrated, gray-green leaves have sharp, dark leaf tips and grow in the five spiral rows. This aloe flowers at the beginning of summer, producing flowers that range in color from red to salmon pink and occasionally yellow, at the head of robust, branched inflorescences.
Aloe Polyphylla Scientific name:
Aloe Polyphylla Schonland ex Pillans
Aloe Polyphylla Bloom Time:
Plants usually flower in spring and early summer. Aloe polyphylla grows in high altitude grassland, between 2000 and 2500 meters - sometimes higher - although apparently only on the more easterly facing slopes at these higher altitudes. This could be due to the cold, where it may be important for the plants to receive early morning sun in winter.
Aloe Polyphylla how to grow:
The Aloe polyphylla is a hungry, thirsty plant and best kept outdoors. The perfect UK outdoor succulent, hardy to -15°C (on mature specimens). Plant in full sun on a mound and at an angle. Use a free-draining soil mix and add a natural feed.
Aloe Polyphylla Pest and diseases:
Pests and Diseases. Aloe polyphylla is prone to aphids and snout beetles. In order to prevent them from happening, it is important to keep the plant healthy. This includes proper drainage, watering, and aeration. Similarly, too much humidity or moisture increases the risk of fungal problems. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Propagation
However, like most succulents, aloe polyphylla can be propagated with cuttings or offsets. Young aloe polyphylla plants must reach a diameter of eight to 12 inches before they attain the trademark spiraling pattern of leaves. Use a sharp knife to cut an outer leaf off a mature aloe polyphylla plant.
Characteristics
Aloe polyphylla is a stemless aloe and grows its leaves in a very distinctive spiral shape which may be clockwise or anti-clockwise. The plants do not seem to sucker or produce offshoots, but from the germination of their seeds, they can form small, dense clumps.
Images of Aloe polyphylla blooms
Native Range:
Aloe polyphylla is found along the southern Thaba Putsoa Range and extends east into the Central Range. Several sites in the higher elevations of the Drakensberg Range are noted, where the major river in southern Africa is born, the Senqu (Orange) (2, 3). I found no positive information concerning Aloe polyphylla in the northern Maluti Range, but the extreme NE corner of Lesotho has an extinct site. This creates a discontinuity on the map and presents a problem since there are many habitats there which c…
History and Name
Aloe polyphylla “Spiral Aloe” is used in African tribal medicine and magic. These plants are considered endangered in the wild.
Polyphylla comes from the Latin words ‘poly' meaning many, and ‘phylla' meaning leaves. It is also called Kroonaalwyn in Afrikaans, meaning “Crown Aloe.”
Aloe polyphylla Fact:
Aloe polyphylla is a stemless aloe and grows its leaves in a very distinctive spiral shape which may be clockwise or anti-clockwise. The plants do not seem to sucker or produce offshoots, but from the germination of their seeds, they can form small, dense clumps.
Aloe polyphylla Watering:
“Spiral Aloe” tends to need a bit less water than other succulents. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
“Spiral Aloe” is not cold hardy until it is mature, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant younger specimens in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day.
How to Propagate Aloe polyphylla “Spiral Aloe”
While you may think that you should be able to propagate Aloe from leaves, this is not the case, and you may find your leaves rotting. Instead, “Spiral Aloe” is propagated from offsets or seeds (difficult).
Offsets
After several years of growth, “Spiral Aloe” will produce an offset. This can be separated from the main plant using a sterile knife.
Wear gloves and use care when removing the offset, as the leaves are sharp. After removal, clean the bottom of the plant, allow it to be callous over, and plant in well-draining soil.
There are 400 species of aloes in the world to our knowledge, each of which provides unique health benefits. We have mentioned only 13 of these aloe vera trees here. Nutrient-dense plants like aloe vera provide effective ways to take in important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your overall health and wellness.
Aloe barbadensis Mill.
Aloe Arborescens
Aloe Ferox
Aloe Striata
Aloe marlothii
Aloe Polyphylla
Aloe plicatilis
Aloe dichotoma
Aloe Petricola
Aloe ciliaris
Aloe Maculata
Aloe Humilis
Aloe Barbera
Read more: Echeveria Chroma care and grow up
Earth Journalism Network (EJN)
Internews initially developed the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) in 2004 to enable journalists from developing countries to cover the environment more effectively. We are now a truly global network working with reporters and media outlets in virtually every region of the world. In our mission to improve the quantity and quality of environmental reporting, EJN trains journalists to cover a wide variety of issues develops innovative online environmental news sites, and produces content for local media – including ground-breaking investigative reports. We also establish networks of environmental journalists in countries where they don't exist and build their capacity where they do. We do so through workshops and the development of training materials and by offering Fellowship programs, grants to media organizations, story stipends, and support for story production and distribution. Watch the video above to learn more about our work.
){kind=link}
0 Comments