Aloe striata
Species of succulent
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aloe striata, with the common name coral aloe, is a small, stemless South African Aloe species.[3][4]
| Coral aloe | |
|---|---|
| |
| In flower | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Aloe |
| Species: | A. striata |
| Binomial name | |
| Aloe striata Haw. | |
Distribution
This species occurs quite widely over the southern parts of the Cape Floristic Region, in the Eastern Cape Province and Western Cape Province of South Africa.[citation needed]
It is found on rocky slopes in coastal and karoo areas.[citation needed]
Description
The coral aloe's specific epithet, striata, means "stripes", and refers to the long lines (sometimes very faint) on its blue-green leaves. The leaves of this Aloe are not toothed, but have a smooth pink margin.[citation needed]
Due to the similarity of their species names, Aloe striata is sometimes confused in literature with Aloiampelos striatula (syn. Aloe striatula, hardy aloe) — a very different plant, found in the highlands of the Eastern Cape.[citation needed]
Taxonomy
The coral aloe forms part of the Paniculatae series of very closely related Aloe species, together with Aloe reynoldsii.[citation needed]
This species is often confused with its close relative, Aloe reynoldsii, and they do look very similar. However the coral aloe has smooth leaf margins and red flowers; while Aloe reynoldsii has waxy, toothed leaf margins and yellow flowers.[5][6]
Cultivation
Aloe striata is cultivated as a popular ornamental plant, for use in succulent and drought tolerant gardens, and in container plantings.[7]
- Aloe striata x maculata (synonym Aloe saponaria) — a hybrid between Aloe striata and Aloe maculata, is a popular garden plant.[8]
- Aloe striata ssp. karasbergensis — Karasburg Coral Aloe, also cultivated as an ornamental plant.[9]
Gallery
Aloe striata as a street plant in Emeryville.
Flowers.
Close-up of flowers.
Detail of the seed pods
Aloe striata subsp. karasbergensis.
Hybrid Aloe striata x maculata.
See also
- Aloe species
- Asphodelaceae — subfamily.
- Succulent plant
