PlantFiles: Aloe
Aloe aculeata

This species is decently tolerant of the desert conditions in and around Phoenix. It flowers reliably, is hardy to at least 19F and tolerates good morning sun without showing scorch. A nice alternative to Aloe vera.

Plant is distinguished in that it is the only known aloe whose sharp surface thorns (when present) spring from tuberculate white base bumps.

When given ample light and grown hard, the bumps suggest the notion of "goose bumps".

bob
:>)

This plant grows well in full sun in Southern California. It is easily rooted in potting soil with warmth.

Distinctive aloe in having numerous very sharp spines on ALL surfaces of leaves. These warty spines have a white base, which is very unusual in the aloe world (though not unique). This characterisitic is probably the easiest to use, however, if one is unsure what species one has. The spininess is variable, and many older plant populations have no more spines.

Plants themselves are rosettes of flattish leaves that arch upward like a bowl, though as plants age, plants tend to fall over a bit and lose this semicircular sillohuette. Leaves can vary from deep forest green to turquoise, or colorful reds and oranges in low water, cold sitations. Plants definitely need a lot of sunlight and though shaded plants develop a deep, bright green coloration, this is not normal and these plants are prone to rot, particularly if their crowns get wet.

Flowers can be solitary racemes or somewhat branched- colors are variable from red to orange to red and yellow, all the way to greenish yellow in mid winter. Flowers are flattened downward (compressed).