ISI 2006-12. Aloe calcairophila Reynolds Out of Stock

This is a choice and slow-growing miniature with distichous (fan-shaped) rosettes of leaves and urceolate (urn-shaped) white flowers, though with ample light the buds may be red at first. As indicated by its name (calcair = lime, phila = loving), it exhibits a preference for lime-bearing substrates. Depending on the quality of one’s water (i.e., if excessively acidic) it might be helpful to add some agricultural lime to one’s mix. More importantly, in cultivation the plants seem to prefer shade. HBG 93958, from controlled pollination of plants collected in 1988 by A. Razafindratsira at Ambatofinandrahana, Madagascar, where it grows with other limestone endemics like A. capitata var. cipolinicola and Euphorbia stenoclada var. ambatofinandranae (ISI 2005-23, $12). $15.

Photo © 2006 by T. Harvey. Images may not be used elsewhere without permission.

Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 78 (2), March - April, 2006