Aloe polyphylla - Spiral Aloe
Aloe polyphylla is spellbinding. Its pointy spiraling form looks more like origami than a plant. Native to high mountains in Africa, it's almost impossible to find. The wild population in Lesotho is almost extinct, and buying or collecting the plant there is a criminal offense.
The first few leaves grow straight up. Around the seventh leaf, they start to spiral, clockwise or counter-clockwise, eventually growing into a large rosette 1-2ft in diameter and 12" in height.
Aloe polyphylla does not produce pups, but in early summer it sends up a branching stem of reddish to salmon-pink flowers. More seeds.
Coarse sandy soil essential. Place your seeds on the surface and barely cover. Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. Optimal germination is between 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination can take weeks to several months, so be patient. This plant is rare for a reason.
5 rare seeds
