Aloe striata

Coral aloe
In flower
CITES Appendix II 
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Species:
A. striata
Binomial name
Aloe striata
Haw.

Aloe striata, with the common name coral aloe, is a small, stemless South African Aloe species.

Distribution

This species occurs quite widely over the southern parts of the Cape Floristic Region, in the Eastern Cape Province and Western Cape Province of South Africa.[citation needed]

It is found on rocky slopes in coastal and karoo areas.[citation needed]

Description

Detail showing the smooth pink leaf margin of this species, key to its identification.

The coral aloe's specific epithet, striata, means "stripes", and refers to the long lines (sometimes very faint) on its blue-green leaves. The leaves of this Aloe are not toothed, but have a smooth pink margin.[citation needed]

Due to the similarity of their species names, Aloe striata is sometimes confused in literature with Aloiampelos striatula (syn. Aloe striatula, hardy aloe) — a very different plant, found in the highlands of the Eastern Cape.[citation needed]

Taxonomy

The coral aloe forms part of the Paniculatae series of very closely related Aloe species, together with Aloe reynoldsii.[citation needed]

This species is often confused with its close relative, Aloe reynoldsii, and they do look very similar. However the coral aloe has smooth leaf margins and red flowers; while Aloe reynoldsii has waxy, toothed leaf margins and yellow flowers.

Cultivation

Aloe striata is cultivated as a popular ornamental plant, for use in succulent and drought tolerant gardens, and in container plantings.

See also

References

  1. ↑ von Staden, L. (2016). "Aloe striata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T103634577A104108522. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103634577A104108522.en. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
  2. ↑ "Aloe striata Haw". Species+. UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "Aloe striata Haw. subsp. striata Haw. [family ALOACEAE]". Ithaka Harbors, Inc. Retrieved 2008-07-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. ↑ Aloe striata - Info page at PlantZAfrica.com
  5. ↑ Succulents.co.za: Aloe reynoldsii
  6. ↑ Reynolds, G.W. 1950. The aloes of Southern Africa. Balkema, Cape Town.
  7. ↑ San Marcos Growers Horticulture Database: Aloe striata − Coral Aloe
  8. ↑ San Marcos Growers Horticulture Database: Aloe striata x maculata
  9. ↑ San Marcos Growers Horticulture Database: Aloe striata ssp. karasbergensis − Karasburg Coral Aloe