Aloe polyphylla (Spiral aloe)

Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken

(Based on 4 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones:

1

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11

Botanical Name: Aloe polyphylla AL-oh pol-ee-FIL-lah Common Name: Spiral aloe Genus: Aloe

The spine-tipped leaves of this aloe grow in a beautiful spiral; mature plants have five rows of leaves growing either clockwise or counterclockwise. It is very hardy, but will rarely flower. A native of Lesotho, Africa, it is extremely endangered due to overcollecting.
Care: Provide full sun or light shade and excellent drainage. Winter moisture is fatal.
Problems: Fusarium crown rot.

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posted by LeeBeMe
3/6/2010
Region: Northeast
Zone: 6

I'm just looking at this plant for the first time, and I WANT it! It is AWESOME to look at.

posted by kells
2/8/2010
Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone: 8

...architecture galore--nice stuff, bravo.

posted by diana95426
12/14/2009
Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone: 9

Aloe polyphylla is magnificent to own. To avoid the center rotting out during the winter rains, I turn it on its side so that the dampness does not collect in its center. This tip was given to me by Don Mahoney, the botanist at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. I have a large, old specimen in a terracotta pot. It is spectacular and easy care.

posted by Lekhala
7/14/2008
Region: Mountain West
Zone: 6

Spirall Aloe (Lekhala Kharetsana) is indigenous to Lesotho's high mountain slopes - 7 is now protected as it is threatened with extinction.To propagate this aloe species you need to grow both plant sexes (Clockwise & anti-clockwise leaves) in order to have flowers pollinated.

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Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken

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