Aloe melanacanthahas a similar coming into court toAloe erinacea , but several characteristics can facilitate distinguish the two . Aloe melanacanthasometimes maturate solitary , and thesapfrom its leaves dries to a rich favorable colour . On the other hand , Aloe erinaceausually organize a clump , and the sap from its leaf dries to a lemon - yellow colour .
Aloe melanacanthaA.Berger
Black Thorn Aloe , locally known as the Goree
In habitat, Namakwa, Northern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byNT Moolman. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Aloe muricata
Family : AsphodelaceaeSubfamily : AsphodeloideaeGenus : Aloe
The specific name " melanacantha " ( pronounced " mel - an - uh - KAN - tha " ) means " having black spine " and refers to the black , thorn - like tooth of this species .
In habitat, Namakwa, Northern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byCheng-Tao Lin. Licensed underCC BY 4.0.
The aboriginal range ofAloe melanacanthais from southernNamibia , southwards through Namaqualand to Vanrhynsdorp in the Western Cape ofSouth Africa . It grows on rocky hillsides with little territory .
Aloe melanacanthais a succulent plant that forge chunk - shapedrosettesof triangular , incurvate leaf . The little potato grow on poor stems , either sole or in groups of up to ten or more , reaching a diameter of up to 12 inches ( 30 cm ) . The stem turn are densely cover with the remains of honest-to-god dry leaves and can spring up up to 20 inches ( 50 centimetre ) long . The parting have boisterous surfaces and can measure up to 8 inches ( 20 curium ) long and 1.6 inch ( 4 curium ) wide . They are dull , colored viridity to yellowish - green or brownish - light-green and have keels and margins with large , black , thorn - like tooth measure out up to 0.4 inches ( 1 cm ) long . The upper control surface of the leaves is flat , while the lower surface is convex .
During the wintertime , Aloe melanacanthaproduces incurved , cylindrical flowers , usually in oblongracemeson tumid , unbranching stalks that can grow up to 3.3 feet ( 1 m ) marvellous . The flowers are scarlet inbudand yellowish at flowering . The densely flower racemes can reach up to 10 inch ( 25 centimetre ) in length and 3.2 column inch ( 8 cm ) in diameter . The flowers can measure up to 1.8 in ( 4.5 cm ) long , while the grey fruits can uprise up to 11 in ( 2.8 cm ) farseeing and up to 0.5 inch ( 1.2 centimeter ) in diameter .
In habitat, Namakwa, Northern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byHafeez Sonday. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Light : PlaceAloe melanacanthaindoorsin a windowpane with plentitude of hopeful , collateral light . Rotate the flock once or twice a week to ensure all sides of the works receive equal lighting . alfresco , the works prefers scant shade , especially during the hot parts of the day .
Soil : Great drain is substantive for uprise this plant because too much wet for an protracted period can cause root rot . Use commercial soil for succulents , ormake your own well - draining mix .
Temperature : When temperatures shift below 50 ° farad ( 10 ° century ) , it is time to bring this industrial plant inside . It tolerates warmth fairly well but will not go a hard frost . Aloe melanacanthagrows undecomposed inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones9b to 11b , with mean minimal winter temperature ranging from 25 ° F to 50 ° F ( -3.9 ° C to 10 ° C ) .
In habitat, Namakwa, Northern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byNick Helme. Licensed underCC BY-SA 4.0.
lachrymation : This industrial plant take unconstipated watering , but can tolerate drouth condition for scant periods . piss deeply , but only when the soil is completely dry to the touch , and do not let piss brook in the rosette . Cut back onwateringduring the winter months .
fertilise : Although it in the main does not require fertilizer , Aloe melanacanthawill benefit from extra nutrient . Use a urine - soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength .
Repotting : Repot only as needed during spring . Pick a container that is one size of it larger and has drainage holes .
generation : To propagateAloe melanacantha , remove the outset from a matured industrial plant from belated spring to other summer . It is also comfortable to start from seeds . For practiced termination , sow the seed during the ardent months .
Learn more atHow to Grow and deal for Aloe .
Aloe melanacanthais non - toxic to people but is mildly to somewhat toxic to pet .
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