Aloe scorpioides

FamilyAsphodelaceae
GenusAloe
Speciesscorpioides
OriginMoçâmedes, Angola
PublishedL. C. Leach, Journal of South African Botany 40:106 (1974)
IPNI529881-1

Aloe scorpioides is a widely branching Aloe endemic to the western slopes of the Serra da Chela mountains in southern Angola, close to the Atlantic coast. There, it can be found growing out of rocky slopes, or in the shade of forests at lower altitudes ​[1]​.

Scarlet red flowers of Aloe scorpioides.

The plant was first described by Larry C. Leach, a collector of Aloe in Angola in the early 1970s ​[2]​. It has firm yellowish-green leaves that are mostly immaculate, except for some spots near the base. Teeth along the margins are wide and sharp. It flowers in the late fall and early winter.

Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of the species is its arcuate inflorescence which bows down and then curves upwards, somewhat like the tail of a scorpion, and from which it derives its name.

The plant’s yellow-green rosette.

Physical Characteristics

Inflorescence16 in. tall
PerianthScarlet with yellow stripes, 1 in. long
StemCaulescent
Typical Diameter12 – 24 in.
Typical Height20 in.
Flowering SeasonFall, early winter

References

  1. [1]
    S. Carter, J. J. Lavranos, L. E. Newton, and C. C. Walker, Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 2011.
  2. [2]
    R. R. Klopper, S. Matos, E. Figueiredo, and G. F. Smith, “Aloe in Angola (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae),” Bothalia, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 19–35, 2009.