Somalian Aloe

Family

aloaceae

Native

East Africa

Description

Aloe somaliensis is stemless or short-stemmed aloe species single or forming small groups with strikingly marked leaf-blades. This species varies enormously both in its colouring, the markings on the leaves and the spines on the leaf margins. Leaves are shiny, brownish to dark green with numerous whitish spots.

Grows with a clumping habit, flowers are pink-red in colour, tubular and borne on flowering spikes up to 80cm tall. Hummingbirds are attracted by the nectar that is produced by the flowers.

A. somaliensis looks quite similar to Aloe hemmingii as a young plant, but grows larger and its spots often become less distinct with age. It has a larger, more-branched inflorescence than A. hemmingii, and the flowers are not pink, but instead are typically a dull red colour.

Environment

Aloe Somaliensis is one of the most ornamental aloes that is a fast-growing species that can reach full size in 5 or 6 years (if given proper growing conditions), this plant is a water-wise plant.
It should be given a well-drained soil with a high lime content. The plant grows well in a pot too, and can be moved indoors for the winter
Outside, if the climate is cool it enjoys full sun. In warmer country, keep it cool by filtering the afternoon sun, and also avoid using a dark-coloured container.

Landscape Uses

Makes an attractive landscape plant and or container patio plant where some height is needed, being an attractive accent plant. This columnar tall cactus is suitable for large landscape and can grow outdoors in those areas where there is light frost in winter and the rainfall is not too high.