Aloe greenii 7215
Author: C.Green ex William Robinson (1838-1935)Family: Asphodelaceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Aloe
Synonym(s): Aloe viridiana
English name: Icena aloe
Zone: South Africa
Description
Aloe greenii occurs in sub-tropical coastal forest and adjacent bushveld areas of KwaZulu-Natal as far as Mozambique. In the Ndumo area it grows in well-drained sandy soils in association with Huernia hystrix and Stapelia gigantea under Vangueria infausta canopy forest. This specific name in all likelihood commemorates Mr Charles Green (c. 1826-1886), who at one time was the head gardener of Mr William W. Saunders' well-known succulent plant collection at Reigate, Surrey, United Kingdom.
Aloe greenii Observed in South Africa by Nick Helme (license)
Botanical Description
The plant is stemless, suckering to form large, dense groups.
There are 12-16 leaves, densely rosulate, linear-lanceolate, 40-50 x 7-8cm, bright green, obscurely lineate, with dense oblong whitish spots in transverse bands, conspicuous on the lower surface. The margins are with sharp, pinkish-brown teeth 3-4mm long, 8-10mm apart. The sap is yellow.
The inflorescence is 100-130cm high, with 5-7 erect branches, the lower ones sometimes re-branched. The peduncle is with scarious, lanceolate bracts subtending the branches. The racemes are cylindrical, 15-25cm, subdensely flowered. The floral bracts are linear-lanceolate, 10mm long, papery. The pedicels are 10mm long. The perianth is dull pink with a slight bloom, 28-30mm long, 7mm across the ovary, abruptly constricted above to 4mm then widening towards the mouth. The outer tepals are free for 7-10mm. The stamens and style are slightly exserted.
There are 12-16 leaves, densely rosulate, linear-lanceolate, 40-50 x 7-8cm, bright green, obscurely lineate, with dense oblong whitish spots in transverse bands, conspicuous on the lower surface. The margins are with sharp, pinkish-brown teeth 3-4mm long, 8-10mm apart. The sap is yellow.
The inflorescence is 100-130cm high, with 5-7 erect branches, the lower ones sometimes re-branched. The peduncle is with scarious, lanceolate bracts subtending the branches. The racemes are cylindrical, 15-25cm, subdensely flowered. The floral bracts are linear-lanceolate, 10mm long, papery. The pedicels are 10mm long. The perianth is dull pink with a slight bloom, 28-30mm long, 7mm across the ovary, abruptly constricted above to 4mm then widening towards the mouth. The outer tepals are free for 7-10mm. The stamens and style are slightly exserted.
References
- A synoptic review of the Aloes (Asphodelaceae, Alooideae) of KwaZulu-Natal, an ecologically diverse province in eastern South Africa, R.R Klopper, N.R. Crouch, G.F. Smith, A.E. van Wyk. PhytoKeys 2020 Vol. 142 pag. 1-88. DOI
- Aloes, the definitive guide, S. Carter, J. J. Lavranos, L. E. Newton & C. C. Walker. 2011 pag. 192. ISBN
- Flora of Southern Africa, L.E. Codd, B. De Winter And H.B. Rycroft. Vol. 5(1) pag. 58-59. Address
- PlantZafrica, Phakamani Xaba. Kirstenbosch NBG 2012. Aloe greenii
- The elusive Mr Green and the eponymy of Aloe greenii Green ex Rob. and A. viridiana Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae), Smith, Gideon and Thiede, Joachim and Figueiredo, Estrela. Bradleya 2019 Vol. 37 pag. 41-45. DOI
- Aloes, the definitive guide, S. Carter, J. J. Lavranos, L. E. Newton & C. C. Walker. 2011 pag. 192. ISBN
- Flora of Southern Africa, L.E. Codd, B. De Winter And H.B. Rycroft. Vol. 5(1) pag. 58-59. Address
- PlantZafrica, Phakamani Xaba. Kirstenbosch NBG 2012. Aloe greenii
- The elusive Mr Green and the eponymy of Aloe greenii Green ex Rob. and A. viridiana Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae), Smith, Gideon and Thiede, Joachim and Figueiredo, Estrela. Bradleya 2019 Vol. 37 pag. 41-45. DOI
References for the genus
- A chemotaxonomic and morphological appraisal of Aloe series Purpurascentes, Aloe section Anguialoe and their hybrid, Aloe broomii, Viljoen, Alvaro M and van Wyk, Ben-Erik. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 2001 Vol. 29(6) pag. 621-631. Address
- A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of the genus Aloe L. In Madagascar, Rakotoarisoa, Solofo and Klopper, Ronell and Smith, Gideon. Bradleya 2014 Vol. 32 pag. 81-91. DOI
- A revised generic classification for Aloe (Xanthorrhoeaceae subfam. Asphodeloideae), Olwen M. Grace, Ronell R. Kopper, Gdeon F. Smith, Neil R. Crouch, Estrela Figueiredo, Nina Rønsted & Abraham E. Van Wyk. Phytotaxa 2013 Vol. 76 pag. 7-14. DOI
- A synoptic review of the Aloes (Asphodelaceae, Alooideae) of KwaZulu-Natal, an ecologically diverse province in eastern South Africa, R.R Klopper, N.R. Crouch, G.F. Smith, A.E. van Wyk. PhytoKeys 2020 Vol. 142 pag. 1-88. DOI
- African aloe ecology: a review, Cousins, SR and Witkowski, ETF. Journal of Arid Environments 2012 Vol. 85 pag. 1-17. Address
- Allioni's Aloe names (Asphodelaceae): nomenclature and typification, L. Guglielmone, L. Gallo, M. Meregalli, G.F. Smith & E. Figueiredo. Bothalia 2009 Vol. 39(2) pag. 177-183. DOI
- Aloe in Angola (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae), R.R. Klopper, S. Matos, E. Figueiredo & G.F. Smith. Bothalia 2009 Vol. 39(1) pag. 19-35. DOI
- Aloe nouveaux du nord de Madagascar, G. Cremers. Adansonia 1976 Vol. ser.2, 15(4) pag. 497-503. Address
- Aloes, the definitive guide, S. Carter, J. J. Lavranos, L. E. Newton & C. C. Walker. 2011. ISBN
- An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills, Eastern Arc Mountain. PhytoKeys 2022 Vol. 191 pag. 1-158. Address
- Description of two new taxa in the genus Aloe (Asphodelaceae) from Madagascar, Jean-Philippe Castillon. CACTUS-AVENTURES International Vol. 81 pag. 11-19. Address
- Deux nouvelles espèces d' Aloe L. (Xanthorrhoeaceae, Asphodelaceae), section Lomatophyllum Rowley, de Madagascar, Castillon, Jean-Philippe. Adansonia 2017 Vol. 39 pag. 7-13. DOI
- Notes on the typification of some species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae/Aloaceae), Glen, HF and Smith, GF. Bothalia 1995 Vol. 25(1) pag. 37-42. Address
- Summer-flowering species of maculate Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae) in the Aloe zebrina-complex from South Africa: Reinstatement of four names, and description of A. braamvanwykii Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo, Smith, Gideon and Figueiredo, Estrela and Klopper, Ronell and Crouch, Neil. Bradleya 2012 Vol. 30 pag. 155-166. DOI
- The genera Aloe and Mesembryanthemum as represented in Thunberg's herbarium, Brown, Nicholas Edward. Bothalia 1922 Vol. 1(3) pag. 139-169. Address
- The genus Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae) in Malawi, R.R Klopper, S.S. Lane, G. Msekandiana-Mkwapatira & G.F. Smith. Bradleya 2012 Vol. 30 pag. 65-92. ResearchGate
- The genus Aloe L. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) in Djibouti, N. Ruch, T. McCoy & O.M. Grace. Bradleya 2013 Vol. 31 pag. 15-24. ResearchGate
- Trees of Southern Africa, Meg Coates Palgrave. 2002 pag. 102-105. ISBN
- A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of the genus Aloe L. In Madagascar, Rakotoarisoa, Solofo and Klopper, Ronell and Smith, Gideon. Bradleya 2014 Vol. 32 pag. 81-91. DOI
- A revised generic classification for Aloe (Xanthorrhoeaceae subfam. Asphodeloideae), Olwen M. Grace, Ronell R. Kopper, Gdeon F. Smith, Neil R. Crouch, Estrela Figueiredo, Nina Rønsted & Abraham E. Van Wyk. Phytotaxa 2013 Vol. 76 pag. 7-14. DOI
- A synoptic review of the Aloes (Asphodelaceae, Alooideae) of KwaZulu-Natal, an ecologically diverse province in eastern South Africa, R.R Klopper, N.R. Crouch, G.F. Smith, A.E. van Wyk. PhytoKeys 2020 Vol. 142 pag. 1-88. DOI
- African aloe ecology: a review, Cousins, SR and Witkowski, ETF. Journal of Arid Environments 2012 Vol. 85 pag. 1-17. Address
- Allioni's Aloe names (Asphodelaceae): nomenclature and typification, L. Guglielmone, L. Gallo, M. Meregalli, G.F. Smith & E. Figueiredo. Bothalia 2009 Vol. 39(2) pag. 177-183. DOI
- Aloe in Angola (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae), R.R. Klopper, S. Matos, E. Figueiredo & G.F. Smith. Bothalia 2009 Vol. 39(1) pag. 19-35. DOI
- Aloe nouveaux du nord de Madagascar, G. Cremers. Adansonia 1976 Vol. ser.2, 15(4) pag. 497-503. Address
- Aloes, the definitive guide, S. Carter, J. J. Lavranos, L. E. Newton & C. C. Walker. 2011. ISBN
- An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills, Eastern Arc Mountain. PhytoKeys 2022 Vol. 191 pag. 1-158. Address
- Description of two new taxa in the genus Aloe (Asphodelaceae) from Madagascar, Jean-Philippe Castillon. CACTUS-AVENTURES International Vol. 81 pag. 11-19. Address
- Deux nouvelles espèces d' Aloe L. (Xanthorrhoeaceae, Asphodelaceae), section Lomatophyllum Rowley, de Madagascar, Castillon, Jean-Philippe. Adansonia 2017 Vol. 39 pag. 7-13. DOI
- Notes on the typification of some species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae/Aloaceae), Glen, HF and Smith, GF. Bothalia 1995 Vol. 25(1) pag. 37-42. Address
- Summer-flowering species of maculate Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae) in the Aloe zebrina-complex from South Africa: Reinstatement of four names, and description of A. braamvanwykii Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo, Smith, Gideon and Figueiredo, Estrela and Klopper, Ronell and Crouch, Neil. Bradleya 2012 Vol. 30 pag. 155-166. DOI
- The genera Aloe and Mesembryanthemum as represented in Thunberg's herbarium, Brown, Nicholas Edward. Bothalia 1922 Vol. 1(3) pag. 139-169. Address
- The genus Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae) in Malawi, R.R Klopper, S.S. Lane, G. Msekandiana-Mkwapatira & G.F. Smith. Bradleya 2012 Vol. 30 pag. 65-92. ResearchGate
- The genus Aloe L. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) in Djibouti, N. Ruch, T. McCoy & O.M. Grace. Bradleya 2013 Vol. 31 pag. 15-24. ResearchGate
- Trees of Southern Africa, Meg Coates Palgrave. 2002 pag. 102-105. ISBN
General specifications
Biological type: succulent
Frost resistance: 28ºF
Leaf color: dark green
Flower color: pink
Specifications for the Mediterranean basin
Adult size (h x w): 1,6ft x 3,2ft
Sun exposure: part sun (Sun hours: >3h <6h Foliage: evergreen
Growth: aloe
Flowering time from July until September
Specific information for our garden
Planting substrate: 30%Compost+30%Coco+40%Sand
Plant watering: 3x a week pH 6.5
Logical sequence of containers for: Succulents; tray, 1L container, 2L forestry pot, 6L container, 55L container
Propagation is done by root division
Ecology in its country of origin
Rainfall: 400-800mm
Gravelly soil: much
Frost resistance: 28ºF
Leaf color: dark green
Flower color: pink
Specifications for the Mediterranean basin
Adult size (h x w): 1,6ft x 3,2ft
Sun exposure: part sun (Sun hours: >3h <6h Foliage: evergreen
Growth: aloe
Flowering time from July until September
Specific information for our garden
Planting substrate: 30%Compost+30%Coco+40%Sand
Plant watering: 3x a week pH 6.5
Logical sequence of containers for: Succulents; tray, 1L container, 2L forestry pot, 6L container, 55L container
Propagation is done by root division
Ecology in its country of origin
Rainfall: 400-800mm
Gravelly soil: much
Sowing instructions
SPRING Sow the seeds at 2mm depth in the Well Drained Seed Sowing Mix between 64-72°F. During germination keep the substrate moist and in daylight. The seeds germinate in 4-16 weeks.
Germination references
- PlantZafrica, Phakamani Xaba. Kirstenbosch NBG 2012. Aloe greenii
Germination references
- PlantZafrica, Phakamani Xaba. Kirstenbosch NBG 2012. Aloe greenii
Experiences in the garden
11-03-19A Obtaining seeds from seed provider Rare Palm Seeds.
20-03-19 Sown 10 seeds in a tray, they did not geminate in Serre4.
Protocol: Spring 2mm Sowing mix+Sand 59-68°F Damp substrate+Light 4-16w
19-10-19B Obtaining seeds from seed provider Rare Palm Seeds.
06-02-20 Sown 15 seeds in a tray, they did not geminate in Serre4.
Protocol: Spring 2mm Sowing mix+Sand 50-59°F Damp substrate+Light 4-16w
23-07-20C Obtaining seeds from seed provider Rare Palm Seeds.
11-02-21 Sown 25 seeds in a tray, they did not geminate in Serre4.
Protocol: Spring 2mm Sowing mix+Sand 50-59°F Damp substrate+Light 4-16w
05-12-23D Obtaining seeds from seed provider SilverHill collected in 'SilverHill26>Eastern Cape'. Stock (Wild origin)
01-05-24 Sown 20 seeds in a seed plate ½ and germinated at 16-05-24, result: 2 units in Serre4.
Protocol: Spring 2mm Sowing mix+Sand 64-72°F Damp substrate+Light 4-16w
. . . 2024D Production of 9 plants in our nursery: Serre4 9x F2 (Formerly of wild origin)