Aloe compressa H.Perrier
Compressed Madagascar aloe
Aloe compressa is a highland aloe endemic to Madagascar, notable for its extraordinarily flattened and compressed rosettes that grow directly on exposed granite outcrops on the central plateaus. This highly characteristic form is an adaptation to withstand strong winds and reduce water loss through transpiration in the high-altitude alpine environment it inhabits.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Very flattened and compressed rosette, stemless, on granite |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
| pH Target | 5.5–6.5 |
| Type | Pure granitic gravel, acidic, without organic matter |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Leaves 15–25 cm long, very flattened and horizontally spreading, grey-green to glaucous, with small white marginal teeth and a slightly rough surface.
ecoStemless; the rosette sits directly on polished granite rock, held by roots penetrating crevices.
ecoTubular flowers 2.5–3 cm long, orange to red, in simple or branched racemes on slender 40–60 cm peduncles. Flowering in the cold dry season.
ecoVery fine contractile roots penetrating deeply into granite fissures to anchor the rosette and extract water and minerals.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Pure granitic gravel, acidic, without organic matter
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow on fine granitic gravel at 20–24 °C.
- 2 Cover with film and maintain high humidity with spray.
- 3 Germination in 3–6 weeks.
- 4 Seedlings are very slow; transplant only when 3 cm.
- 1 Separate lateral rosettes when 5 cm in diameter.
- 2 Allow cut to dry for 2–3 days.
- 3 Plant in granitic gravel and avoid any watering the first week.
- 4 Root in 6–8 weeks.
Use flat bonsai or low terracotta containers to simulate the rocky surface.
Using an overly deep container that accumulates moisture under the rosette.
Every 4–5 years; only if roots outgrow the container
Very diluted mineral succulent fertilizer (⅛ dose), once a year in spring
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic if ingested; handle with care.
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"The flattened rosette of A. compressa achieves extremely low aerodynamic drag coefficients, documented in functional morphology studies; this design allows the plant to withstand sustained winds of 80–100 km/h on exposed granitic rocks of the Malagasy highlands without damage."
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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.