Aloe krapohliana Marloth
Namaqualand Dwarf Aloe
Aloe krapohliana is a dwarf aloe endemic to Namaqualand in the Northern Cape of South Africa, one of the most extraordinary floristic regions on the planet for its diversity of succulents. It forms compact rosettes of grey-green leaves with pale spots and white cartilaginous teeth. Its elegant pink to pinkish-red flowers, produced in spring, are its most striking feature. It grows in shallow quartzite soils under an arid Mediterranean climate.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Dwarf rosette, solitary or in small groups |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| pH Target | 5.5–7.0 |
| Type | Very well-draining quartzite substrate with low organic content |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Ovate-lanceolate, grey-green with irregular whitish spots, 10–20 cm long. Margins with white cartilaginous teeth 1–2 mm long, moderately spaced.
ecoAcaulescent or with a very short stem; produces basal offsets with moderate frequency, forming groups of 2–5 rosettes.
ecoTubular, pink to pinkish-red, 2–3 cm, grouped in conical or cylindrical racemes on 30–50 cm peduncles. Blooms in spring (August–October).
ecoCompact and shallow fibrous roots adapted to shallow quartzite soils with low water retention.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very well-draining quartzite substrate with low organic content
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Separate the offset with a clean knife retaining the roots.
- 2 Allow to callous for 2 days in a shaded spot.
- 3 Plant in quartzite and coarse sand substrate; begin light watering after 7 days.
- 1 Sow fresh seeds in sandy substrate at 18–22 °C.
- 2 Water with a mister and keep slightly moist.
- 3 Transplant after 4 months when seedlings are 4–5 cm.
This species has winter growth in Mediterranean climate: water from autumn to spring.
Watering in summer when the plant is dormant, causing rot.
Every 3–4 years; moderate to slow growth
Once a year at the start of the growth cycle (autumn) with a low-nitrogen mineral fertilizer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Mildly toxic; same precautions as the genus Aloe
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A winter-growing species typical of the Cape flora. The cycle opposite to most succulents (summer dormancy, winter growth) is the main challenge for its cultivation outside Mediterranean climates. Named after German botanist Rudolf Krapohl."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.