Aloe microstigma leaf rosette

Aloe microstigma leaves are variably coloured, from green, blue-green to reddish. There are white leaf spots; many, few, or in rare cases (near Robertson) none. These small spots are scattered on the upper or both surfaces, often H-shaped. The second adjectival part of the scientific name, the specific epithet, microstigma, is derived from the Greek words mikros meaning small and stigma meaning a mark, stain or tattoo, referring to the leaf marks. 

The leaf surfaces are free of spines, but along the margins there are sharp and rigid, evenly spaced, reddish brown teeth or prickles. These defences bring second thoughts to potential enemies who might harm the plant.

The leaf-shape is long, thick with succulence, forming an isosceles triangle from the base and tapering to an acute-angled tip. The leaf curvature varies from bow-shaped (curving inward when stressed or outward on young branches) to S-shaped with outwardly arched tips after lower parts bending in. There is also a measure of twisting and sideways curvature in some leaves (Frandsen, 2017; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Reynolds, 1974; Jeppe, 1969; iNaturalist).