Aloe polyphylla

Aloe polyphylla is a spectacular leaf succulent bearing many leaves arranged in compact, clockwise or anticlockwise spirals. Commonly know as spiral aloe, many-leaved aloe or in Afrikaans kroonaalwyn (crown aloe), the solitary round and flat-topped head of spiny leaf-tips may also branch into two or three heads or rosettes in a clump. The plant is well-known in South Africa, but is endemic to Lesotho, a high elevation species.

The environment within which A. polyphylla grows is atypical of southern Africa. The bleak, misty Maluti Mountains of western Lesotho are quite unsuitable for most of the other Aloe species of this generally Aloe rich region. The climatic conditions conducive to A. polyphylla are hard to replicate in most gardens, as many who have planted this Aloe have discovered to their dismay. It is best not to attempt growing endangered or vulnerable plants in conditions where the probability of success is low. Personal frustration can be avoided and plants can be saved to boost low population numbers.

This specimen, however, is thriving in the Botanical Garden of Melbourne in Australia where the species has become popular. Leaf colour can here be seen to be more yellowish green than on the plants photographed in their Lesotho habitat. Interesting to note here also is the opposite spiralling displayed by the two plants in picture.

It may also be that a form of A. polyphylla has managed wider adaptation to different growing conditions, partly refuting the above argument against gardening options. It is by attempting new challenges after all that developmental breakthroughs are achieved. And gardening is a friend of nature if gardeners play by the rules.  

Culture has less time and resources to achieve success than nature. The endless, blind experimentation by which everything conceivable naturally happens is impervious to adversity. Millions of random failures without losing patience or resolve is not for people. Neither do they last that long, nor can they sustain intentionality as long as nature (Frandsen, 2017; Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Jeppe, 1969; iNaturalist).

(Also see the entry on this Aloe in the Mountains Album under Habitat.)