Aloe gariepensis

Rocks for company may in several ways be a significant asset to Aloe gariepensis in this lonely environment. Picture Roy Orbison with guitar sitting on a rock here, playing Only the Lonely.

Moisture retention in the soil, partial shade for leaves, heat diversion from roots, diverting routes of travellers that could cause plant damage and the accumulation of droppings from resident mammals as fertiliser, i.e. nutrients mixed into the soil, are benefits that come to mind.

In this case the seeds that fall on the rock may enjoy better benefits than those blown to the open plain below. But who knows? New life always capitalises on the opportunities available, the percentage game a survival feature for all species.