Black-Spined Aloe
Aloe melanacantha
Also known as
Black Thorn Aloe, Small Mountain Aloe
Aloe melanacantha - Kirstenbosch cons by S Molteno (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
12a
USDA zone
10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
10 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Black-Spined Aloe
Black-Spined Aloe Overview
Aloe melanacantha is a succulent perennial species from the Asphodelaceae family. It is commonly known by the names Black-Spined Aloe, Black Thorn Aloe and Small Mountain Aloe. Black Spined Aloe is a tender, short-stemmed plant that typically grows to around 50cm tall. Foliage is leathery and lance-shaped, coloured green to brown and edged in spiny black teeth. The leaves can reach 20cm in length. Flowers are tubular and yellow, appearing from red buds and fading to a green colour at the ends.
Common problems with Black-Spined Aloe
Susceptible to scale and mealy bug.
How to harvest Black-Spined Aloe
Generally not harvested
How to propagate Black-Spined Aloe
Division
Large numbers of offsets forms over time which can be separated in spring, or early summer, and replanted preferably with a few roots attached.
Seed
Sow seeds as soon as ripe and matured.
Special features of Black-Spined Aloe
Attracts birds
Attracts birds when in flower.
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees and wasps.
Drought resistant
Can go lang periods without water.