Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 9505138

Lace Aloe

Aristaloe aristata

Also known as Guinea-fowl Aloe, Torch Plant

Lace aloe forms dense, stemless rosettes of deep green fleshy leaves covered in raised white tubercles and tipped with delicate, thread-like bristles. In early summer, established rosettes produce slender, unbranched flowering stalks crowned with tubular orange-red blossoms tailored for nectar-feeding sunbirds. Adapted to chilly mountain slopes across southern Africa, it readily survives freezing temperatures by clustering tightly into protective colonies along rocky crevices.

SucculentDrought-TolerantAlpine
Lace Aloe reference1 / 3
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—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Snout Beetles
  • Porcupines
  • Baboons
ThreatsOvergrazing, habitat fragmentation, and local over-harvesting for the succulent trade
HabitatsRocky grasslands, karroid scrub, cliff faces, and high-altitude montane slopes
Life span15–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderAsparagales
  2. FamilyAsphodelaceae
  3. GenusAristaloe
  4. SpeciesAristaloe aristata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains bitter anthraquinone compounds toxic to cats and dogs if ingested; keep away from household pets.
Why it is dangerous
Plant tissues contain bitter saponins and anthraquinone glycosides that induce vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy when chewed or swallowed by pets.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognize by compact, densely incurved rosettes with white bumpy spots and soft translucent bristles on every leaf tip.
What to do
Grow out of reach of indoor pets, and wear garden gloves when repotting to avoid sap contact.
Responsible observation
  • Sunlight Requirements: Provide bright, filtered sunlight to retain vibrant leaf coloration and compact rosette shape.
  • Watering Method: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings to protect the fibrous roots from rot.
  • Cold Tolerance: Protect outdoor specimens from prolonged freezes combined with excessive winter moisture.
Related species
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