Dune Aloe ( Aloe thraskii ) is a perennial succulent plant native to South Africa. Dune Aloe grows as a single stemmed, tree like aloe with long leaves that curve downwards. Aloe thraskii is normally found in coastal areas no more than a few hundred metres from the sea, so if you live in coastal areas – this is the tree Aloe for you.
Other common names for the Aloe thraskii are Coast Aloe, Palm Aloe, and True Aloe.
There are other Aloe varieties available including Krantz Aloe, Aloe Vera, Coral Aloe and Cape Aloe.
Growth
Aloe thraskii grows up to an average of 2-3 metres in height, although has been reported as growing as tall as 4 metres. It is recognisable by its long leaves that curve downwards. Its foliage is an olive grey-green colour and have serrated spikes along their edges. The flower colour of the Dune Aloe is yellow, but they have anthers that are orange.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asphodelaceae
CLIMATE:
Coastal – Cool, Temperate, Dry, Sub Tropical and Tropical. Dune Aloe has light frost tolerance.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-3 to 40°C / 26 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, succulent appropriate soil. Continuously wet soil will rot and kill this plant.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
3 metres (10 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.5 metres (5 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Succulent, Evergreen, Tree Aloe
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Minimal – Drought tolerant, usually with no need to water in winter. Over watering succulents will kill them.
POLLINATION:
Birds, insects pollinate Aloes, and the flowers are bisexual and have both male and female parts on them.
MATURITY:
3-4 years
GERMINATION RATES:
66-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy-Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 800
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
None known.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Not as far as we know.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT ALOE THRASKII (Dune Aloe)
Aloe thraskii is starting to become a threatened species in its natural habitat due to coastal land development. Due to land development in its native range, KwaZulu-Natal it now grows in densely populated areas and is also subject to being removed for horticultural purposes.
The flowers of Aloe thraskii attract nectar loving birds, bees and butterflies to the garden.
