Aloe somaliensis

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This plant listing for reference only. Aloe somaliensis, commonly known as Somali Aloe, is a stemless or short-stemmed species native to northern Somalia, Somaliland, and Djibouti, where it grows on rocky limestone and sandstone slopes in dry bushland at elevations from about 2,300–5,600 feet. It forms solitary plants or small groups with glossy, spreading leaves that range from pale to brownish-green and are marked with numerous elongated pale spots or streaks. The foliage is highly variable, with some plants developing darker or marbled markings, and the margins carry prominent reddish-brown teeth. A branched inflorescence rises above the rosette, producing lax racemes of pinkish-scarlet to red flowers, generally in late summer. Aloe somaliensis is closely related to Aloe hemmingii, which it may resemble when young, but A. somaliensis becomes larger and develops a more extensively branched inflorescence. It is also part of a broader group of relatively small African Aloes characterized by glossy, spotted leaves. Several forms have historically been recognized, including A. somaliensis var. marmorata, but this is not considered distinct by Carter et al. The species is suitable for dry landscapes, rock gardens, succulent collections, and containers, where it should be provided with excellent drainage and bright light. Although it occurs at relatively high elevations, no specific frost tolerance is documented, and winter protection is recommended where freezing temperatures occur. Provenance Aloe somaliensis HBG 25495 (pictured here) at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. This accession was grown from seed collected by John Lavranos (7555) at Lower Sheikh, Somalia, on December 16, 1969, and was later distributed through the Huntington's International Succulent Introductions program as ISI 2018-12. Sources: Carter et al. (2011), p. 306. Llifle: Encyclopedia of Succulents Show more