Aloe comosa Marloth & A.Berger
Cape tufted aloe
Aloe comosa is a single-stemmed aloe from the mountain fynbos of the Western Cape, characterised by its elegant tufted terminal rosette and unusually pale pink to creamy white tubular flowers for the genus. It grows in the Cederberg mountains and adjacent areas in acidic sandstone fynbos soils at altitudes of 300–1500 m. Its pale floral colouration clearly distinguishes it from the orange-flowered aloes of the same biome.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Single-stemmed tree with terminal rosette, up to 3 m |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 5.0–6.5 |
| Type | Acidic sandstone, well-drained, poor in nutrients |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Leaves 50–70 cm long, blue-green to glaucous-green, erect to arching, with white to pale marginal teeth 3–4 mm.
ecoSingle erect trunk 1–3 m tall, covered by withered leaf remains on its lower portion.
ecoTubular flowers 3.5–4 cm long, pale pink to creamy white with pinkish tones, in dense cylindrical racemes. Flowering October–December (southern hemisphere).
ecoFibrous roots adapted to acidic and poor sandstone fynbos soils.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Acidic sandstone, well-drained, poor in nutrients
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in acidic sandstone substrate at 18–22 °C.
- 2 Keep slightly moist; cover with thin film.
- 3 Germination in 3–5 weeks.
- 4 Transplant to fynbos substrate when 5 cm tall.
- 1 Cut the crown leaving 15 cm of stem.
- 2 Allow to dry for 5–7 days in a cool, dry environment.
- 3 Plant in acidic sandstone substrate.
- 4 Roots in 10–14 weeks.
Use acidic quartz and sandstone substrate; avoid lime and carbonates.
Using calcareous water that raises pH and blocks nutrient absorption.
Every 3–4 years; preferably in permanent ground in the garden
Diluted ericaceous fertilizer (¼ dose), once in spring
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Moderately toxic if ingested; not recommended around pets.
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"The pale flowers of A. comosa are exceptionally rare in the genus Aloe; white or pale pink aloes appear almost exclusively in the fynbos flora and are thought to have evolved in response to different pollinators than those that pollinate the orange-red flowers common to the rest of the genus."
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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.