PlantFiles: Aloe
Aloe capmanambatoensis

I grow a lot of aloes in southern California and this is the only one that seems to suffer from repeated episodes of leaf discoloration... the leaf bases turn a dull brown and looks sickly, though the rest of the leaf stays normal. Eventually it grows out of it, only to repeat it a year later. Seems cold brings this on, and not very deep cold (right around freezing).

Though none of mine have died, all have gone through multiple episodes of this malady, and all have recovered each time... weird.

This plant is very closely related to Aloe fragilis and some authors have combined the two. Carter, Lavranos etc. 2011 still think they are separate with the main difference being A fragilis markedly smaller size and more apt to sucker freely (I certainly have noticed this in my garden). Also, for me, Aloe fragilis does not suffer this weird malady that capmanambatoensis does.

Nice little Aloe from Madagascar that grows alongside Aloe fragilis. Tolerates the desert heat just fine, but isn't hardy to frost and can't handle much intense, desert sun. I keep this plant under shade cloth.

This plant grows rapidly to flowering size. Received finger-sized plant in February 2006, flowered in March 2007.

Flowers for 2 months, flower is nondescript simple .

bob