How to identify Spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

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How to identify Spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

Spiral aloe is a stemless succulent with a unique rosette that grows to approximately 1 foot (30 cm) tall and wide. This rosette is noted for its spiral arrangement of leaves, which can be oriented either clockwise or counter-clockwise. The spiral is comprised of five rows of leaves, with each row containing 15 to 30 individual leaves. These leaves are characterized by their broad bases tapering to sharp dark tips, along with irregular teeth lining the margins. During late spring to summer, mature spiral aloe produces a 2 foot (60 cm) tall branching stalk with a compact cluster of salmon-pink flowers.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Spiral aloe

Stemless succulent with spiral rosette.

Leaves with broad bases and sharp dark tips.

Irregular teeth along leaf margins.

Rosette can spiral in either direction.

Mature plant produces salmon-pink flowers on tall stalk.

Spiral aloe and Their Similar Plants

Aloe vera vs. Spiral aloe: What's The Difference?

Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent species native to the Arabian Peninsula. The thick leaves are filled with gooey flesh that stores water for survival in its native desert territories. Aloe vera has become a popular houseplant and is also incorporated into a wide range of cosmetics and skin-care products.

Candelabra aloe vs. Spiral aloe: What's The Difference?

Candelabra aloe (*Aloe arborescens*) is a flowering succulent species native to Southern Africa. Candelabra aloe attracts birds, bees, and butterflies. This species is related to the well-known species Aloe vera. The Latin name Aloe arborescens means tree-like. In South Africa, it is commonly planted around livestock enclosures as a type of living fence or security border.

Soap aloe vs. Spiral aloe: What's The Difference?

Soap aloe (Aloe maculata) is an evergreen succulent perennial that will grow to 46 cm tall and 61 cm wide. It has sword-shaped, spotted leaves that turn pinkish red in full sun and bluish green in the shade. It blooms from winter to spring with coral orange flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. Tolerant to both drought and salt, it grows well in coastal gardens and rock gardens.

Tiger aloe vs. Spiral aloe: What's The Difference?

Tiger aloe (Aloe variegata) is an evergreen succulent species native to South Africa and Namibia. Tiger aloe is also commonly known as partridge-breasted aloe and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental species. This species cannot grow in cold or wet regions, and must be grown indoors under glass during the winter in cold areas. Tiger aloe was among the first plants cultivated in Cape Town by the Dutch East India Company. Sunbirds are fond of tiger aloe nectar.

Christmas carol aloe vs. Spiral aloe: What's The Difference?

Christmas carol aloe is a slow-growing variety of aloe that got its name from its festive-looking dark green leaves, which sport bright red and crimson edges and raised spots. It is often used in rock gardens, or as a decorative indoor plant.

Tiger tooth aloe vs. Spiral aloe: What's The Difference?

Aloe juvenna gets its common name, tiger tooth aloe, from its menacing-looking spiny teethed leaves. However, this plant is all bark and no bite, as the spines are harmless and will not prick you if touched. In 1979 some unknowing person incorrectly labeled the plant as "possible juvenile Aloe," which turned into the Latin word "juvenna," which eventually became the official species name.

Spider aloe vs. Spiral aloe: What's The Difference?

Spider aloe was given the species name "humilis," which means "low-growing," because it is one of the smaller members of the aloe family. Its small stature coupled with upright, evergreen leaves makes it a popular houseplant. This easy to care for plant does not require much water or fertilizer. The occasional red flower stems are an added bonus.

Chinese aloe vs. Spiral aloe: What's The Difference?

Chinese aloe (Aloe vera var. chinensis) is an aloe species related to the well-known aloe vera plant. While some variants of aloe vera are edible, chinese aloe is not. This species is originally from South Africa, but is now cultivated around the world in gardens as an ornamental succulent.

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Key Facts About Spiral aloe

Attributes of Spiral aloe

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Red

Pink

Orange

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Spiral aloe

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

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Distribution Map of Spiral aloe

Spiral aloe is indigenous to the mountainous regions of Southern Africa, thriving particularly in high-altitude, cooler climates within that continent. It has been successfully introduced to other parts of the world and is widely cultivated for its distinctive spiral-patterned foliage, though it remains a challenge to grow outside its native climate.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Spiral aloe

A Comprehensive Guide to Spiral aloe How to Grow and Care for Spiral aloe