Description
Aloe maculata (Aloaceae) Common Soap Aloe (e), Bontaalwyn (a), Icina (z), ingcelwane (x), lekhala (ss). A hardy, stemless small Aloe that that sometimes develops a stem of up to a metre. The broad, triangular, recurved leaves have strong, sharp teeth along the margin. They are covered in white spots and the tips become dry and shrivelled with age. It produces flowering heads of distinctively flat-topped racemes bearing masses of bright, uniformly coloured flowers, ranging from red and orange to yellow. Flowering time is variable, from late summer to autumn. An excellent addition to any garden for attracting nectar-feeding birds, especially sunbirds. Plant this Aloe in well-drained soil in either full sun or semi-shade. Used medicinally and as a protective charm against lightning. Size to 1m. Locality : Piet retief. Date of harvest : October 2010. Sowing : seeds germinate very well but may damp off if overwatered. 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.
