The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

Common name: Karoo Aloe

Family: Asphodelaceae (Asphodel)

Distribution: South Africa,Western Cape, Eastern Cape

Habitat: In stony or sandy, flat or gently sloping areas on gritty soils, partial shade, 500-1,500 m

Life form: Perennial succulent

Description: Stemless plant, growing solitary or in clusters up to 10 rosettes; 20-30 erected, 12-15 cm long, lanceolate, incurved, greyish-green leaves with white prickles; white toothed margins; 15-20 cm high erected, simple, pale salmon-pink to coral-red inflorescence. Large fruits (5x3 cm). Unusual long style (up to 7.5 cm). The name Aloe longistyla - "longus stylus" Latin for "long style" - refers to this feature. Considered a vulnerable species, particularly due to overgrazing.