Aristaloe aristata flowering in Lesotho montane grassland

Grasslands on mountain tops have their own ecological challenges. Extreme temperatures, especially the cold, require plant and animal to be suitably adapted. High rainfall may bring erosion risk, but animal and human traffic, as well as general land usage are low, due to remoteness.

The natural vegetation cover is vital for the wellbeing of every habitat. Some vegetation types are harder to regenerate than others. The Maluti resident of the high reaches of these dramatic mountains contributes a willing root system to join those of its many grassy and shrubby flowering neighbours. This keeps the soil together in joint effort, retaining some carbon in the ground as well!

Aristaloe aristata, previously Aloe aristata, welcomes birds, bees and wasps to enjoy the nectar of its flowers. The invitation waves about in the wind, in the form of brightly coloured perianths supposed to be noticed (Van Wyk and Smith, 2003).