Botanical name |
Aloe tenuior |
Other names |
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Family |
Asphodelaceae |
Dimensions |
A rambling or shrublike aloe consisting of several semi-erect, sometimes rambling or prostrate stems emerging from a central rootstock at ground level that is characteristic of this species |
Description of stem |
The name 'tenuior' indicates the thin stems that will take root along the part of the stem lying on the ground; the leaves are spaced along the stem and clustered into the terminal rosette; dead leaves persist on the stems; stems may exceed 2 m |
Description of leaves |
Grey-green, lanceolate and fleshy, often unevenly curving inward, with both surfaces smooth and small soft teeth on the edges |
Description of flowers |
Racemes, usually unbranched of small yellow, orange or red flowers in nearly cylindrical, slightly conical shape; flowers appear mainly from late autumn until the end of winter, although flowers may be found in positive conditions throughout the year |
Desciption of seed/fruit |
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Description of roots |
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Variation |
Colour variations in flowers and leaves |
Propagation and cultivation |
Grows very easily from cuttings in varying circumstances, some watering and good drainage will benefit the plant; collecting seeds may be a laborious affair as very few seeds per pod are usually found |
Tolerances |
Varying temperatures and rainfall conditions |
Uses |
Garden shrub used in landscaping; in traditional medicine a decoction from the root has been used for treating tapeworm; also used in some way as a purgative |
Ecological rarity |
Not threatened |
Pests and diseases |
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Other |
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Location |
Dry grassland and thickets |
Distribution |
Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal |
Country |
South Africa |