Aloe bussei A.Berger
Busse's aloe
Aloe bussei is a tall single-stemmed aloe native to the coastal bushveld of Tanzania and Kenya, growing on coral and basaltic rocky soils at low altitude. Its rosettes of grey-green leaves with orange teeth produce showy orange-red tubular flowers emerging during the dry months. It is a characteristic species of the East African coastal landscape.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Large rosette on solitary erect stem |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Sandy coral to basaltic soil, neutral to slightly alkaline pH |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 50–70 cm long, grey-green with orange marginal teeth 3–5 mm and a slightly channelled surface.
ecoRobust erect stem 50–150 cm covered with leaf remnants on the lower portion.
ecoOrange-red tubular flowers 3.5–4 cm long in simple or forked racemes on 60–90 cm peduncles. Flowering in the dry season (June–September).
ecoRobust root system that penetrates crevices in coastal coral and basalt.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy coral to basaltic soil, neutral to slightly alkaline pH
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in sandy coral mix at 24–28 °C.
- 2 Water with a mister until germination (2–4 weeks).
- 3 Transplant individually at 5–7 cm.
- 4 Gradually acclimatise to full sun.
- 1 Cut apical segment of 30–40 cm with a clean saw.
- 2 Dry in a warm, airy place for 4–5 days.
- 3 Plant in coral mix and water after 10 days.
- 4 They root in 6–10 weeks at temperatures >22 °C.
Ideal for tropical coastal gardens; tolerates salt in the wind and coral soils.
Growing in acidic peat-based substrate that does not mimic the alkaline coral soil.
Every 3 years; preferably in permanent soil in a coastal garden
Slow-release granular organic fertilizer, once a year at the start of the rainy season
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic if ingested; latex with anthraquinones.
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"Named in honour of botanist Walter Busse, who made extensive collections along the coasts of Tanzania and Mozambique in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for the Berlin Herbarium."
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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.