Description
Aloe mutabilis (Arborescens) (price per 20 seeds) This form of Aloe arborescens used to be known by the species name “mutabilis” which means changeable or mutable. This probably refers to the flowers which change colour as they open. It is a beautiful aloe with a trailing stem up to 1 metre long with offshoots. Its stem hangs downward with the rosettes of leaves turned up at an angle. This aloe has many leaves, 60-70cm long. The upper surfaces are glaucous green to dull green with brownish to yellow margins. The leaf margins are armed with harmless, yellowish orange teeth. The shape of the spaces between the teeth is straight, not rounded as with the commonly known Aloe arborescens.The inflorescence of this aloe is simple, up to 90cm high, but sometimes with 1 to 2 branches. It has a bicoloured raceme. Individual flower buds are red buds and then on opening the flowers turn yellow or greenish yellow. The flowers of some forms are uniformly red. Flowering time is in winter. Sowing : Sown seeds in spring. Seed should take three to four weeks to germinate, and the seedlings must be protected from frost. Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: January 2020
