Aloe comptonii Reynolds
Compton's aloe
Aloe comptonii is a coastal fynbos aloe from the Western Cape, prized for its bright green leaves decorated with irregular white spots that give it attractive ornamental texture even outside flowering season. It produces orange tubular flowers that are an important nectar resource for Cape sunbirds. It grows well in coastal calcareous soils, tolerating sea salt and wind.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Medium rosette, short stem, sometimes cespitose |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Calcareous coastal sand, well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 30–45 cm long, bright green with irregular white spots on both surfaces and brown marginal teeth 2–3 mm.
ecoShort stem 15–25 cm, frequently covered with adhered dry leaves.
ecoTubular flowers 3–3.5 cm long, bright orange, in cylindrical racemes on simple 50–70 cm peduncles. Flowering August–October.
ecoSalt-resistant fibrous roots; well adapted to coastal calcareous soils with some salinity.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Calcareous coastal sand, well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Separate offsets in spring with a clean tool.
- 2 Allow to dry for 2 days.
- 3 Plant in coastal sand and water after 5 days.
- 4 Root in 4–6 weeks.
- 1 Sow in coastal sand at 20–24 °C.
- 2 Keep moist with spray until germination (2–4 weeks).
- 3 Transplant when seedlings reach 5 cm.
- 4 Gradually acclimate to full sun.
Excellent for coastal gardens due to its salt and wind tolerance.
Planting in acidic substrate incompatible with the coastal calcicole tendency.
Every 3 years in spring
Low-nitrogen fertilizer (NPK 5-10-15), once in spring
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Moderately toxic if ingested.
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"A. comptonii was named in honour of Robert Harold Compton (1886–1979), director of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for 30 years and one of the foremost scholars of the Cape flora; his aloe collection was a reference for numerous 20th-century descriptions."
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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.