Aloe brevifolia

Aloe brevifolia, the short-leaved aloe, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It is a tiny, compact, blue-green evergreen succulent perennial, that is native to the Western Cape, South Africa. Listed as Vulnerable on IUCN's global Red List, it is threatened in its natural habitat, but is also widely popular as an ornamental plant in rockeries and desert gardens worldwide.[1] As it requires winter heat, in temperate regions it is grown under glass or as a houseplant.

Aloe brevifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Species:
A. brevifolia
Binomial name
Aloe brevifolia

Distribution

In the wild, this diminutive species is completely confined to the dry clay soil of “Rûens Shale Renosterveld” – a critically endangered and rapidly disappearing vegetation type. Small populations are normally found growing on inaccessible rocky slopes and cliffs, especially near the coast, but it is thought that these are merely relics of what was once a much wider distribution. There are several subspecies, which are now separated from each other by farmland and other development.

Appearance
Aloe brevifolia var. depressa, the larger western variety.

Though only 10 cm in height,[2] the Kleinaalwyn tends to sprout suckers from its sides that become new rosettes. Consequently, it can form large clumps. The leaves are short and fat and edged with soft, harmless, white teeth. In fact, the name "brevifolia" means "short-leaf" in Latin.[3] The plant is also distinctive for its gray-blue color.

In November it sends up a (relatively) tall inflorescence with bright red flowers.[4]

Cultivation

This dwarf aloe is increasingly popular as an ornamental plant for pots and rockeries. In cultivation it should be planted in a reasonably sunny position, in well-drained soil. It requires only moderate watering and should not be kept perpetually damp. It should be remembered that it is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape, with its winter rainfall regime. It can be propagated easily by simply removing and replanting the branching suckers. [5]

It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]

References
  1. Bornman, H. & Hardy, D.S. 1971. Aloes of South African veld. Voortrekkerspress, Johannesburg.
  2. "Aloe brevifolia". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  3. Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 184533731X.
  4. Smith, G.F. & Van Wyk, B. 2008. Aloes in Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town.
  5. "Aloe brevifolia". PlantZAfrica.com. SANBI. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
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