Aloe karasbergensis Pillans
Karasberg Aloe
Aloe karasbergensis is a compact and robust species endemic to the arid Karasberg Mountains in southern Namibia. It forms solitary or small grouped rosettes with grey-green toothed leaves and tubular red to orange flowers in conical racemes. Adapted to the extreme conditions of the semi-desert mountains of the Karas region, it tolerates prolonged drought, intense heat and cool highland nights. It is a species rarely cultivated outside its natural range.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Solitary rosette or in small groups |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient (IUCN DD) |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Very mineral substrate, gravel and coarse sand, low organic content |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate, grey-green to yellow-green under water stress, 15–25 cm long. Margins with small cream-coloured, regularly spaced teeth.
ecoVery short or imperceptible stem; the plant may produce 1–3 basal offsets with age.
ecoTubular, 2.5–3.5 cm, red to orange-red, arranged in erect conical racemes on 35–55 cm peduncles. Blooms in winter.
ecoFibrous and robust roots with slight fleshy capacity; excellent for anchoring in stony and gravelly substrates.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very mineral substrate, gravel and coarse sand, low organic content
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in very sandy substrate at 22–26 °C under bright indirect light.
- 2 Water with a mister until germination.
- 3 Transplant individually after 3 months.
Grow in shallow terracotta pots to mimic the native shallow substrate.
Excessive autumn watering that breaks the dormancy cycle.
Every 3–5 years; very slow growth
Once a year in spring with mineral fertilizer diluted to 25%
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Unknown; treat with the usual genus precautions
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"The taxonomic status of this species has been subject to revision; some authors consider it a synonym or variety of Aloe melanacantha. More field sampling is needed to clarify its delimitation."
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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.