Description
Aloe excelsa.(Aloaceae) It grows to an impressive 4 meters. Leaves are a dull-green to reddish-green colour, upper leaf surface is smooth while the lower leaf surface has some thorns present, especilly in juvenile plants. Leaf margins are armed with sharp reddish-brown teeth. Aloe excelsa flowers from winter to spring. The flowers are orange-red to scarlet. Sowing : seeds germinate very well but may damp off if over-watered. Use a mixture of river sand, compost and soil to sow seeds in. Sprinkle the seeds evenly on the surface and cover with a layer of small pebbles. The pebbles help the seedlings to stay upright and prevent damping off. Keep seed tray in a dry warm corner and do not allow to dry out. Transplant the seedlings after one year. Locality: Zimbabwe. Harvest: January 2023