Aloe hereroensis, the vlakte- or sandaalwyn

The vlakte-aalwyn (plains aloe) is doing its thing here. Karoo winters respond well to floral brightening up. Orange-red, the most common flower colour of Aloe hereroensis looks the part. Not too tall above the leaf rosette but notably many-flowered in a much-branched panicle, the ample inflorescence makes a statement in contrast to its dull surroundings.

The other Afrikaans common name of sandaalwyn (sand aloe) also makes sense when the plant is presented in habitat like this.

The bookmakers should favour the species in the survival stakes if or when global warming starts reducing biodiversity in the arid parts of the country (Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Jeppe, 1969; iNaturalist).