Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Succulents

Soap Aloe, Aloe saponaria

Soap Aloe, Aloe saponaria. At Phoenix Desert Nursery. About Three Weeks After A Freeze. March 3, 2008.

Soap Aloe, Aloe saponaria.	Soap Aloe, Aloe saponaria.
Soap Aloe, Aloe saponaria.	Soap Aloe, Aloe saponaria.

Soap Aloe Aloe saponaria, Asphodelaceae Family ( Asphodelaceae ) a subdivision of the Lily Family ( Liliaceae ), Soap Aloe. Also Called: Tiger Aloe, African aloe. Aloe saponaria, or African Aloe, is a native of South Africa. African Aloe is a clump-forming aloe which grows in a stemless rosette, and produces little offset rosettes around its margin. Its lance - shaped leaves are thick and succulent, pale - green with white speckles, and about 10 - 12 inches long. It sends up a purplish branched stalk about 2 feet tall, bearing tubular shaped yellow, orange, or red flowers. Its leaf margins are armed with sharp, dark brown teeth. Soap aloe is damaged in hard freezes, but it recovers quickly. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. It is very pool friendly. But, be careful walking nearby, as the edges are extremely sharp! The sap from the leaves can be used as a soap substitute. Do not confuse with the medicinal A. barbadensis species; the sap of A. saponaira is an irritant!! Height: Height to about 1 1/2 feet. Spreading to about 1 1/2 feet. Flowers: Red, Orange, or Yellow drooping flowers grow in a long raceme at the top of the purplish branched flower stalk. On an inflorescence that is branched into 3 to 8 racemes, the racemes sre 8 inches to 16 inches in length. Flowers are 1 inch - 2 1/4 inch in length, tubular in shape and slightly upturned at the mouth. Blooming Time: Febuary - March. Occasionally during the summer. Leaves: Lance - shaped, thick, succulent, pale green, with white speckles, 10 -1 2 inches long. The leaf margins with sharp, dark - brown teeth. Stems: Stemless, densely leaved rosette, about a foot and a half tall, and wide. Fruit: The fruit is a triangular capsule containing numerous seeds. Elevation: 0 - 2,800 Feet. Habitat: Sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. Full Sun. Best with some shade. Protect from Freeze. A Xeriscape Landscape plant. Soap Aloe is native to the arid regions in eastern South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken At At Phoenix Desert Nursery. About Three Weeks After A Freeze. March 3, 2008. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.