Aloe khamiesensis - 5ga

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Native to the Northern Cape of South Africa, Aloe khamiesensis slowly reaches a height of 3 m (10 feet) and typically forms single-stemmed rosettes. The long, relatively narrow, pale green leaves curve upward from the base and outward at their tips, lending the plant a graceful appearance. Erect and tough, Aloe khamiesensis can survive for several seasons without water, with stressed leaves turning reddish. Its dark dull green leaves are lanceolate with white spots and reddish-brown teeth on the margins, giving it a distinctive look. Flowering in mid-winter, it produces orange-red yellow-tipped flowers held near the top of branched conical racemes. The plant's distribution is limited to mountainous areas of Namaqualand and near Calvinia in the Northern Cape of South Africa, primarily on granite and sandstone soils. A threatened species, it faces population decline due to uncontrolled collection. A well-drained soil is essential for cultivation, with watering requirements varying seasonally. While frost hardiness data is limited, older specimens in southern California suggest it can tolerate infrequent temperatures down to 25 F. Aloe khamiesensis makes an attractive garden specimen but should be cultivated responsibly to avoid unnecessary damage to wild populations.