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Aloe Maculata (African Aloe, Soap Aloe,Zebra Aloe)

 

Type = Stemless spotted aloe

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Scientific Name :
Aloe maculata
Family :
Asphodelaceae (as-foh-del-AY-see-ay)
Common Names :
African Aloe, Soap Aloe,Zebra Aloe
Genus :
 Aloe
Afrikaans Name :
Specie :
 maculata (mak-yuh-LAH-tuh)
sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Origin :
South Africa
best season
Hardiness
 The leaf tips get damaged below 28°F (-2°C), the early blossoms can also get damaged
Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
bloom time
 Late Spring/Early Summer/ Mid Summer/ Late Summer/Early Fall/
Mid Fall/ Late Fall/Early Winter
Spread
 1-2 feet

Synonym:

 Aloe saponaria,Aloe latifolia Aloe perfoliata
bar
Foliage:

Stemless rosettes,light-green leaves 15-20 cm long with horny,dark brown marginal teeth.
Flower Color: (pink to orange to yellow)
Soil Requirements : Grows in thick, poorly draining soils as well as better quality soil.
Water needs: Drought-tolerant
Usage:
Other Details:

Common spotted (with linear spots- almost streaked)species with prominent teeth and usually stemless, clumping, often overgrown in succulent gardens. This is one of the more aggressive and 'invasive' aloe species, sometimes showing up many feet away from the parent plant. It is a relatively fast grower and very easy to cultivate. Teeth are prominent and sharp.

Also often added to pots with a variety of other succulents and sold at garden outlet centers. Flowers of A maculata 'saponaria' usually yellow, but most A maculatas' flowers are variable (pink to orange to yellow). Flowring can occur any time of year, but usually in mid winter in southern California. Flowers are often, but not always, branched 1-2x and flowers head is a flatted globe in shape.
Other Info: Sap from this plant's leaves can be used as a subsitute for soap, it makes suds.

It's very drought and salt tolerant making it a great choice for beachside yards. It's beautiful flowers attract hummingbirds. Contrarily to Aloe vera, its sap should not be used on the skin, as it is irritating and can provoke dermatitis in sensitive people.The typical orange flowered form of this species has long been in cultivation under the name Aloe saponaria but the correct name now appears to be Aloe maculata. It has been suggested by some botanists that the the better known and long use name Aloe saponaria be conserved as it is the name for the type plant for the section Saponariae.
Propagation Methods : seed , offsets

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