Aloe bamangwatensis Schönland
Bamangwato aloe
Aloe bamangwatensis is a medium rosette aloe native to the dry savanna of the historical Bamangwato region spanning northern Botswana and western Zimbabwe. Its grey-green leaves, armed with orange marginal teeth, form dense rosettes on sandy rocky soils. It is a species adapted to long periods of seasonal drought.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Medium rosette, generally solitary |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Sandy to sandy-loam soil, slightly acidic to neutral |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 30–45 cm long, grey-green, with orange marginal teeth and a slightly paler central line.
ecoShort to moderate stem (10–20 cm) in adult plants, covered with dry leaf remnants.
ecoYellow-orange tubular flowers in simple racemes on 50–70 cm peduncles. Flowering in the dry winter.
ecoThick succulent roots that store water to survive the prolonged summer drought.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy to sandy-loam soil, slightly acidic to neutral
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in sandy mix at 24–28 °C.
- 2 Cover lightly with fine sand.
- 3 Water with a mister until germination (2–4 weeks).
- 4 Transplant when 5 cm tall.
- 1 Separate rooted offsets from the base in spring.
- 2 Allow to callus for 2 days and plant in dry substrate.
- 3 Water lightly after 10 days.
- 4 They root in 5–7 weeks.
Adapt watering to the Kalahari summer rainfall pattern: abundant in summer, dry in winter.
Watering in winter following patterns of other wet-winter aloes.
Every 3 years in spring
Low-nitrogen fertilizer (NPK 5-10-10), once at the start of summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic if ingested in quantity.
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"The Bamangwato region was the kingdom of Chief Khama III, who in the late 19th century travelled to London to protect his lands from colonisation; the flora of the area, including this aloe, remained relatively intact thanks to those negotiations."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.