Family: Aloaceae

This genus comprises about 70 species of suc­culents, native to South Africa. All are neat, low-growing plants which form dense or open rosettes, although some species become more elongated, growing to about 20 cm (8 in) high. The foliage is either blunt or sharply pointed, and often marked in white. Long-lasting, insignificant, whitish green flowers are borne in loose sprays on tall, thin, pendulous stems. Flowering may be from spring to autumn, depend­ing on the species.

Species

H. attenuata is the most widely grown species. It forms a leafy, stemless, dark green rosette, which is about 6 cm (2½ in) across, and also produces numerous offsets. The horned undersurface of the leaves is banded with white dots or tubercles.

H. cymbiformis forms mats of rosettes of pale green, very fleshy, boat-shaped leaves. 'Phis species is variable but the leaves may have translucent tips or stripes.

H. marginata grows up to 12 cm (5 in) across, with smooth, rigid, sharply pointed, mid-green, keeled leaves with white margins. It produces very few offsets.

H. pumila (Synonym: H. margari­tifera) is similar to H. attenuata but has larger rosettes, 15 cm (6 in) across, and prominent tubercles scattered on both sides of the leaves.

H. tessellata has smooth, shiny, dark green or blue-green recurved leaves, checkered with translucent lines which form tiny squares.

H. truncata is the rarest of the species and is keenly sought by enthusiasts. It has unusual, rough, dark green, erect leaves which grow in closely packed rows like irregular steps. In its habitat, only the tips of the leaves appear above the ground.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in an airy, intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of cactus compost. Ensure good light but shade from direct strong sun. Water nor­mally in growing period but allow the compost to become dry in winter. Propagate from offsets or leaf cuttings in spring.

Climate

Zone 10.