Aloe microstigma in habitat

The distribution of Aloe microstigma lies in the inland Karoo-like, arid environment. The plants grow on the plains and rocky slopes among the shrubs that characterise this terrain. This photo was taken in March in the Agtervinkrivier region between Worcester and Robertson.

The profusion of plants is typical of the colonies the species generates in habitat; the species population in habitat clearly not currently threatened. The winter visitor will be presented with less stressed plants, blooming red and yellow in slightly greener looking veld. This is often an exhilarating sight.

Stems are visible on some of the plants in the foreground of this photo. Plants may lean over, trail or be procumbent on stems of up to 50 cm. In Namaqualand the stems become longer on plants these days deemed to belong to the same species. The dry leaves persist on the stems (Frandsen, 2017; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Reynolds, 1974; Jeppe, 1969; iNaturalist).