Aloe khamiesensis Pillans
Kamiesberg Aloe
Aloe khamiesensis is a compact mountain species endemic to the Kamiesberg Mountains in the Northern Cape of South Africa, where it grows on granite and quartzite slopes between 700 and 1200 m altitude. Its medium rosettes of grey-green leaves with orange marginal teeth are highly ornamental, and its orange-red flowers appear in dense racemes during winter. It is adapted to warm, dry summers and cool winters with occasional frost.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Solitary to sparsely grouped rosette |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Draining granitic or quartzitic substrate with low moisture retention |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate, grey-green with slightly bluish tones, 20–35 cm long. Margins with orange to reddish-brown teeth 3–4 mm long, noticeably coloured.
ecoVery short or absent stem; solitary plants or with few basal offsets, rarely colony-forming.
ecoTubular, 3–4 cm, red to orange-red with exserted stamens, arranged in conical to cylindrical racemes on 50–70 cm peduncles. Blooms June–August.
ecoRobust fibrous roots adapted to penetrate granite crevices and withstand prolonged summer drought.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Draining granitic or quartzitic substrate with low moisture retention
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in sandy substrate at 20–24 °C with night temperature of 12–15 °C to simulate mountain conditions.
- 2 Keep with light, regular watering until germination.
- 3 Transplant to individual pots after 2–3 months.
Cool night temperatures promote flowering.
Winter watering that breaks the natural growth pause.
Every 3–4 years; moderate growth
Once a year in spring with balanced low-nitrogen fertilizer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Mildly toxic; same precautions as the genus
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"This species features unusually coloured (orange) leaf teeth that visually distinguish it from its Northern Cape relatives. The name refers to the Kamiesberg Mountains, its only known locality."
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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.