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Aloe greatheadii var. davyana

Family: Asphodelaceae (Aloe family)

Common names: Spotted Aloe (E); Transvaalaalwyn (A); Kgopane (Tsw);

Native to: Southern Africa
Groundcover, Succulent
A beautiful winter flowering aloe for a grassland garden

Aloe greatheadii var. davyana

EVERGREEN

FULL SUN

SEMI-SHADE

FROST HARDY

LOW WATER REQUIREMENTS

MEDIUM GROWER

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

0.3m x 0.5m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Aloe greatheadii var. davyana

DESCRIPTION

Aloe greatheadii var. davyana is a beautiful grassland species ideally suited to a cold highveld garden. The plants flower in winter and light up the veld with their colourful displays of tubular flowers borne on tall spikes which are 0.8-1.5m tall.  In the wild, they stand above the surrounding dormant brown grasses and provide a startling and vivid colour contrast.  For the rest of the year the plants are generally nondescript and often hidden from view amongst our indigenous veld grasses. The species has a narrow form with spiny, spotted leaves which form a rosette at the base.

Birds (particularly sunbirds) and bees are attracted to the flowers in winter, so along with it’s narrow form it makes a hardy and versatile species to add to a garden.

These aloes are fire and frost tolerant.  In a particularly cold season, however, severe frost may affect some flowers but the plants will still remain alive.

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION
Grassland, bushveld
WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Provides nectar for sunbirds and bees in winter
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Low water requirements
MAINTENANCE
This is a hardy, low-maintenance species and little maintenance is required. Plants that outgrow their space can be split and moved to other parts of the garden
LANDSCAPING USES
Plant this species as part of a grassland-themed garden, or in a rockery. In the wild the plants are often found in the company of Melinis repens (Natal Red Top), and because the pinkish colour of the two species complement each other it is worthwhile experimenting with this combination in your garden. In the wild the species is also partially hidden below veld grasses, and possibly because of this the species tends to succeed in both sun and semi-shade conditions.
It is a useful soil binder particularly in shallow soils where little else grows.
GARDEN THEMES
Bushveld, Grassland, Rockery, Succulent
FLOWERS
Varies from salmon, orange to red.
FOLIAGE
The leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant, and have white longitudinal spots on the upper surface. The leaf colour varies from a dull green to grey-green. The leaf margins are brown and armed with sharp teeth.
FRUIT
A fleshy green capsule with
SEED
The tiny black seed is enclosed in papery casing that is well suited for wind dispersal.
SPINES
The leaves have sharp teeth along the margin.
PESTS & DISEASES
Aloe are susceptible to a few pests and diseases such as leaf scale and snout beetle. However if not overwatered, Aloe greatheadii var. davyana is less prone to disease than most.
CULTIVATION
Easily cultivated from seed. Sow fresh seed in a riversand/compost mixture (50:50) and keep moist. Germination is usually within 6 weeks. Transplant into separate planters once the 3 pair of leaves have formed.

2 responses

  1. Hi Lynnie

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    I’m not an expert on the medicinal uses of plants and cannot assist. It would be best to seek out expert advise from several sources as several plants contain toxins that are harmful to humans.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  2. Good day
    Could you please assist with the medicinal uses of the Aloe greatheadii var. davyana.

    Thank you

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