Aloe maculata X striata hybrid

Aloe hybrids are a feature of nature as well as of specialised, painstaking horticulture. Aloe maculata hybridises readily with other Aloe species that flower concurrently. As it may flower in winter in the summer rainfall areas of its large habitat and also in summer in the Cape Peninsula, the Mediterranean or winter rainfall part of its fragmented distribution, many opportunities for such events occur. This is true both in nature and the many gardens where this plant is grown today.

The flowers in picture may be from one of the notable and very common hybrids popular with gardeners. The other partner in forming this new plant is generally recognised as a common and popular cultivar, is A. striata. The maculata X striata cross grows strongly and flowers profusely. Planting groups of them in well-drained soil in open sunlight yields striking effects. Or plant just one and it forms its own clump. Just give it time (Van Wyk and Smith, 2003).