Plant · GBIF taxon 2778057
Aloe capitata
Aloe capitataAlso known as Head Aloe, Globose Aloe, Capitate Aloe
Aloe capitata is a striking Madagascan succulent known for its dense, perfectly globose flower heads that bloom in brilliant shades of yellow and orange. Its thick, blue-green leaves form a neat rosette and are trimmed with distinct reddish teeth along the margins. Thriving on granite inselbergs and exposed quartz outcrops, this resilient species plays a vital ecological role by offering nectar to native pollinators in harsh rocky landscapes.
SucculentMadagascar NativeYellow Flowers
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Grazing livestock
- Insect larvae
- Fungal pathogens
ThreatsHabitat loss, wild collection, altered fire regimes
HabitatsGranite inselbergs, quartzitic ridges, exposed rock outcrops
Life span20–50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAsphodelaceae
- SpeciesAloe capitata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Leaf latex contains aloin, which is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains leaf latex rich in anthraquinones such as aloin, which causes gastrointestinal distress and vomiting if chewed or consumed by pets.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by its rounded, globe-like yellow flower heads rising above a compact rosette of blue-green spiny leaves.
- What to do
- Avoid puncturing the fleshy leaves, and keep potted specimens safely away from curious pets.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Blooms: Look for spherical yellow or orange flower clusters atop thick stalks during peak blooming season.
- Habitat Viewing: Scan high-altitude granite domes and quartz slopes where colonies anchor into shallow soil crevices.
- Tread Lightly: Stick to established trails when exploring rock faces to prevent damaging delicate root systems.
Madagascan Relative Close Relative 
Genus Relative (c) desertnaturalist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by desertnaturalist · cc-by
Common Relative (c) Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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