Plants which have been removed from their habitat usually do not survive for more than a few years. The species is extremely difficult to grow in cultivation. Some laboratories investigations indicate potential medicinal properties with further chemical analysis. The use of the plant medicinal (Muthi) by Basotho is uncertain, although some people suggest a use for skin complaints. It is a criminal offence to remove plants or seed of Aloe polyphylla from the natural habitat or to buy plants from roadside vendors.Īloe polyphylla is the National flower of Lesotho, apart from the most beautiful aloe it is a lovely garden plant especially on rock gardens. Most of the remaining habitats are also threatened by overgrazing and unplanned fires in the Maloti Mountains although fire seemed not to be causing a direct impact on the plants. It is mostly threatened by illegal harvest as a garden plant. It is usually found on north facing basaltic rocky slopes with generally thin soil. This plant is found naturally in colonies in the mountains of Lesotho consisting of 300 and more individuals. It is widely distributed and occurs in the mountains above 2000 meters above sea level which is characterized by an alpine climate (freezing and dry winter, wet summers that reaches up to 30° with lighting and wild fires during rainy periods). It is endemic (found only) to Lesotho and endangered plant. It is stemless plant and the mature plant can reach over a meter in diameter and up to 80 cm in height. Plants usually flower in spring and early summer. The flowers are attractive, ranging from dull red to salmon-pink. “Poly” means “many” and “phylla” is Greek for “leaves”. ![]() Plants have approximately 150 leaves each, which explains the name “polyphylla”. The leaves are broad and grey-green in colour with an off-center ridge along the surface of the leaf. The Basotho people believe the direction of the spiral indicates the sex of the plant but in fact, the flowers are actually bisexual. The leaves are arranged in spirals in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. Pillans in South African Gardening and Country Life using Dr Schonland notes. It was then described officially by Mr N. Holland in 1915 at Phurumela Mountains of Lesotho, and then Dr Schonland of Albany Museum in Grahamstown described it but not published until 1934. Very characteristic is the unique spiral arrangement of the leaves. The Spiral Aloe is a rare and beautiful aloe found in the Maluti Mountains. Plants usually flower in spring and early summer.Aloe polyphylla (Kharetsa – SS, Spiral aloe – English, Kroonaalwyn – Afrikaans meaning “crown aloe”) The infloresence is branched with each flower head being quite compact. Plants have approximately 150 leaves each, which explains the name "polyphylla". The tips usually become dark, purplish brown and are quite sharp. ![]() The leaves themselves are broad and have a grey-green colour. Natural regeneration is from seed as the plants do not form off-shoots. The change in the water regime due to overgrazing is also a possible reason for decreasing numbers. ![]() Say Aloe Plant Puns Spiral Pretty Notebook - Perfect Gift for Crazy Plant Lady, Plant Dad Gift, Home Decore. Due to this and the specific habitat requirements, the numbers in the wild have diminished and it is now listed as endangered. Digital Download, Spiral Aloe Polyphylla Round, Lesotho, South Africa, Botanical Aloe Photography, Aloe Prints Digital, Printable Aloe Decor. It has become a prized collector's item and is possibly also used for muthi. The plants are stemless and usually not multiple although they grow in dense groups. The spiral is formed by five ranks of leaves which contain between 15 and 30 leaves each. The most striking feature of this aloe is the perfect spiral in which the leaves are arranged.
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