Aloe melanacantha

Aloe melanacantha

Family: Aloaceae

Common names: Black-thorn Aloe

The rounded, ball-shaped rosettes, firm brownish green leaves and the particularly long black thorns on the margins and keel makes it an unmistakable choice. Plants grow as single rosettes or more often in groups of up to 10 or more dense plants. The stems are short and inconspicuous even in old specimens, hence classified as stemless aloes.

Sowing instructions: 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.

Locality: Kamieskroon. Harvest: August 2024