This plant listing for reference only. Aloe pubescens, commonly known as Hairy Aloe, is a stemless or short-stemmed species from Ethiopia that usually produces offsets to form small clumps. Its greyish-green leaves are arranged in spreading to erect rosettes and may show pale spotting, particularly when young. The leaves have reddish-brown marginal teeth and can reach about 18 inches long. The species is particularly noted for its flowering, producing tall, simple or sparsely branched inflorescences with cylindrical racemes of coral-pink, finely pubescent flowers, which are partly concealed by large papery bracts while in bud. It is closely related to Aloe trichosantha, which differs in having a larger, more branched inflorescence and more conspicuously white-tomentose flowers. Aloe pubescens occurs on rocky stream banks at about 5,900 feet elevation and appears adaptable in cultivation, tolerating full sun to light shade. Grow in well-drained soil and provide regular water during active growth while keeping the plant relatively dry in winter. It is generally considered suitable for USDA Zone 9 and above, with reports of established plants tolerating temperatures around 26°F. Its clumping habit and shade tolerance make it useful for rock gardens, succulent collections, containers, and dry landscapes where space is available for the offsets to develop. Sources: Carter et al. (2011), p. 270. Guildford Cycads — Aloe Species Articles
