Aloe microstigma in profusion

This stony hillside outside Oudtshoorn is replete with Aloe microstigma flowering at the end of winter. Scattered among karoid scrub is a common setting for these plants. While their inflorescences are always unbranched, ample flowering and colouring are presented here. Some vigorous plants in this stand produced up to four and even five of these erect, single racemes.

Yellow colouring is only seen on open perianths at the lower end of the inflorescences. The closed buds are pinkish red to orange red; their tips grey to grey-green (Frandsen, 2017; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Reynolds, 1974; Jeppe, 1969; iNaturalist).