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Aloe ramosissima

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Aloe ramosissima Pillans

Family Name: Aceraceae
Synonyms: Aloe dichotoma subsp. ramosissima
Common Name: Maiden's Quiver Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Shrub
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial

Biogeography

Native Distribution Southern Africa
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert)
Preferred Climate Zone Desert / Arid
Local Conservation Status Non-native
CITES Protection True (Appendix II)

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Succulent with a shrub-like growth form up to 1.2 m tall.
Trunk The succulent stem is protected by a waxy covering which is silver, pink and brown.
Foliage Thick, smooth leaves are oblong and narrowly triangular (20 cm long, 2 cm wide) with minute, yellowish or brownish spines along the margin. They are arranged in rosettes at the branch tips.
Flowers Yellow, tubular flowers are arranged along an inflorescence which is up to 20 cm long and bears 3 branches.
Fruit Dry, dehiscent fruit is known as a capsule. At dehiscence, the capsule breaks into 3 parts which remain united at the base and releases winged seeds (3 cm long, 1.8 cm wide).
Cultivation This species is not adapted to hot, humid climates and may go dormant under prolonged exposure to these conditions.
Ethnobotanical Uses Edible Plant Parts : Edible Flowers
Others: Immature flower buds are edible.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form
Thematic Landscaping Rockery / Desert Garden
Usage Hazard - Cons Spines/Thorns - Leaf

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Little Water
Rootzone Tolerance Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method Seed
Propagation Method Remarks Taking stem cuttings are not advisable, as the rate of rooting is quite low.

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth, Thick
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Rosulate / Rosette
Foliar Attachment to Stem Sessile
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong)
Foliar Venation Parallel
Foliar Margin Spiny
Foliar Apex - Tip Acuminate
Foliar Base Truncate / Square

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Yellow / Golden
Flower Texture(s) Thick / Fleshy
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Terminal
Flower Symmetry Radial
Individual Flower Shape Tubular

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Texture(s) Smooth, Glossy / Shiny
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 29217
Species ID 3526
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 14 October 2021.
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