Aloinopsis malherbei (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Malherbe's aloinopsis
Geophytic succulent endemic to the locality of Malherbe in the South African Karoo, described and classified by Louisa Bolus. Together with A. luckhoffii, it is one of the most documented and cultivated Aloinopsis in the genus. The leaves are short, grey and densely covered with white tubercles or papillae. The diurnal flowers are intense yellow with darker lines in the centre of each petal. Very well-developed taproot. Enters complete summer dormancy.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Michael Wolf / Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Aloinopsis |
| Growth Habit | Dense grey tuberculate-leafed rosette, well-documented winter geophyte |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern; endemic to the Karoo but with stable populations within its range |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Coarse sand, perlite and Karoo calcareous clay, excellent drainage |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Obovate to spatulate, 1.5–3.5 cm long; dark grey-green with very prominent white tubercles; entire margins or with fine cartilaginous teeth.
ecoIntense yellow with darker central lines (orange-reddish); 2–4 cm diameter; multiple linear petals; yellow stamens with yellow anthers; diurnal.
ecoVery prominent taproot; in adult plants can measure 10–20 cm and be 4–5 cm in diameter; light brown exterior, white interior.
eco5–12 cm diameter; compact and dense; can develop several meristems with age forming groups.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Coarse sand, perlite and Karoo calcareous clay, excellent drainage
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in sand and perlite mix (70/30) in autumn.
- 2 Germination temperature: 15–20 °C.
- 3 Water lightly by capillary action until germination.
- 4 Progressively reduce watering after the first month.
- 5 Transplant to deep individual pot when rosette reaches 2 cm.
- 1 Separate lateral offshoots in autumn with a clean, sterilised cut.
- 2 Allow to callus for 48 hours in a dry, airy location.
- 3 Plant in dry mineral substrate; do not water until growth is observed.
- 4 First flower possible after 1–2 years from division.
U
S
Every 2–3 years at the start of autumn
Very diluted mineral fertiliser (¼ strength, low nitrogen) once in December (northern hemisphere) or June (southern hemisphere).
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic to humans or companion animals.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A. malherbei and A. luckhoffii share habitat in the Karoo region and are morphologically similar; the most notable difference is the slightly larger size and more prominent leaf markings of A. malherbei. Both are the best species for introduction to genus cultivation."
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.