Aloe mitriformis (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 35cm (leaf bearing head)
Eventual Spread: 35cm (leaf bearing head)
Hardiness: 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Sub Family: Asphodeloideae
Aloe mitriformis is an evergreen perennial with a trailing habit and variable apearance. Its grey/ green fleshy leaves are triangular with toothed margins, up to 25cm long and arranged spirally. Its terminal leaf bearing heads appears at the end of ground trailing stems which may be up to 2m long. Its red flowers appear on flower stalks.
Aloe mitriformis Leaf (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Aloe mitriformis, commonly known as Rubble Aloe or Mitre Aloe, is native to Western Cape, South Africa. In its native habitat it grows on mountainous rocky areas and outcrops. Aloe mitriformis is synonymous with Aloe perfoliata.
The etymological root of the binomial name Aloe is derived from the Semetic alloeh a name for this genus. Mitriformis is derived from the Latin mitra menaing ‘mitre’ and formo meaning ‘shaped’.
The landscape architect may find Aloe mitriformis useful as a suitable specimen plant in a rock or desert garden setting. Its is also suitable for growing as a house plant, suitable for bright conditions. Once established this plant is drought tollerant. Its leaves will turn red in color during dry periods.
Ecologically, Aloe mitriformis are of little value to UK wildlife.
Aloe mitriformis Crown (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Aloe mitriformis prefers moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
When maintaining Aloe mitriformis as a houseplant its soil should be watered regularly. Watering should be reduced during the winter months. Its preferred active growing temperature rages from between 18ºc to 28ºc, although it will tolerate a temperature as low as near freezing. Feeding with weak fertiliser solution should be carried out once a month during the growing season. Cuttings may be taken from sprawling plants, placed in moist sand for a couple for weeks, during which period they will root.
Landscape Architecture
