PLANTAE / PHANEROGAMAE / ANTHOPHYTA / ASPARAGALES / ASPHODELACEAE / ALOOIDEAE / ALOE / MITRIFORMIS
Plants mostly of untidy sprawling habit of growth. Stem up to 1-2 met. long, 4-6 cm diam., lying along the ground with the apical half foliate and ascending, branched near base, or with offshoots springing from below the foliate portion and eventually forming dense groups of rosettes, the rosettes in the most robust growth forms reaching up to 50 cm across. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, erectly spreading to somewhat incurved, very fleshy, up to 20 cm long, 10-15 cm broad; upper surface flat low down to slightly channelled upwards, glaucous-green to green, mostly without spots or lines; lower surface convex, similar in colour to the upper surface, usually with a slight keel in upper half, the keel armed with about 4-6 spines of the same shape size and colour as the upper marginal teeth; margins armed with stout deltoid teeth 4-6 mm long, 10-15 mm distant, the teeth at first pale to whitish low down, becoming yellowish to golden upwards, eventually becoming deep brown to black in old dry persistent leaf remains; apices of leaves a single or bifid spine. (Sap dries yellow.) Inflorescence 40-60 cm high, 2-5-branched from about the middle. Peduncle not sterile-bracteate below the first branch, the branches below racemes with a few deltoid-acute thin sub-scarious sterile bracts about 10 mm broad. Racemes capitate, densely flowered, usually a little broader than long, about 10 cm long and 12 cm diam., flat to slightly rounded at apex, but sometimes shortly and broadly conical. Bracts narrowly lanceolate-acuminate, thin, rather scarious 3-5-nerved, about 10 mm long, 5-6 mm broad at base. Pedicels lowest averaging 40-45 mm long, gradually shorter upwards. Perianth 40-45 mm long, cylindric-trigonous, very slightly curved, dull scarlet; outer segments free to base but slightly to tightly cohering from the base to the middle, very obscurely nerved in apical third, the apices sub-acute, slightly spreading; inner segments free to base, broader than the outer, with 3 very congested nerves forming a keel the colour of the perianth, the apices more obtuse and more spreading than the outer. Filaments filiform flattened, the 3 inner narrower and lengthening in advance of the 3 outer, with their anthers in turn at length very shortly exserted. Stigma at length very shortly (2-3 mm) exserted. Ovary green, finely 6-grooved, about 8 mm long, 2.5-3 mm diam. From: Reynolds, GW. 1974. Aloes of South Africa, 3rd ed. A.A. Balkema, Cape Town. [All rights reserved]
Stem long, creeping, with side-shoots along its length, up to 2 m long, horizontal with terminal leaf-bearing portion erect. Leaves blue-green, erectly spreading to incurved, margins with small, white teeth that turn dark brown to yellow on old leaves. Flowers in branched, conical to capitate, densely flowered panicles, dull to bright red. (Aug.-)Dec.-Feb. From: Klopper, RR; Smith, GF. 2013. Asphodelaceae: Aloe. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 45-48. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]
Sprawling, succulent shrublet with creeping branches to 2 m, with persistent dried leaves. Leaves blue-green, without spots, ovate-lanceolate, to 20 cm long, with 4-6 spines at tip of keel; margins with small, stout, pale to whitish, deltoid teeth, turning yellow to dark brown on old leaves. Racemes capitate, dense, branched, 40-60 cm long. Flowers dull to bright red, 40-45 mm long; stamens and stigma exserted. From: Klopper, RR; Smith, GF. 2012. Asphodelaceae: Aloe L. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 66-70. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]
Some forms of this variable species approach A. arenicola very closely. The leaves of that species are copiously spotted and have whitish horny margins, while in A. perfoliata the leaves are not or sparsely spotted, and the margins are not horny. Large-leaved forms of this species bear a superficial resemblance to A. meyeri, which usually has a simple, much shorter inflorescence in which the flowers are shorter and narrower. [Published as 'Aloe perfoliata L.'] From: Glen, HF; Hardy, DS. 2000. Aloe. In: G Germishuizen & E du Plessis (eds), Aloaceae (first part). Fl. S. Africa 5(1,1): 1-167. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. [http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/209564#page/3/mode/1up] [CC BY]
A. mitriformis is essentially a sprawling species, with stems lying along the ground in different directions, the elongated stem being much too slender to support the heavy rosettes of leaves in an erect position. When dense groups do occur, the shorter stems may be erect, but the rosettes support each other. When on steep rock faces, or overhanging ledges, the stems hang downwards with the terminal foliate portion slightly upturned. Usually plants are found in fairly flat but rocky places. In the most robust growth forms the rosettes of leaves are sometimes nearly 2 ft. across. Marginal teeth are at first soft to firm and white near base of leaf, turning yellowish to golden upwards, but become deep brown to almost black when the stem developes and the oldest persistent leaves dry out. From: Reynolds, GW. 1974. Aloes of South Africa, 3rd ed. A.A. Balkema, Cape Town. [All rights reserved]
Rocky flats, slopes and cliffs. From: Klopper, RR; Smith, GF. 2013. Asphodelaceae: Aloe. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 45-48. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]
Rocky slopes and cliffs. From: Klopper, RR; Smith, GF. 2012. Asphodelaceae: Aloe L. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 66-70. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]
The mountainous winter rainfall area of the Cape, more or less west of a line from slopes of the Rivier Zonder Einde Mountains near Genadendal (Caledon Div.) in the south, to the Bokkeveld Mountains north of Nieuwoudtville (western part of Calvinia Div.) in the north. Bain's Kloof, Du Toit's Kloof, Tulbagh Kloof; Blaauwberg (behind Milnerton), Koeberg, Riebeek Kasteel, between Mamre and Darling; Cape Deseade, Pakhuis Pass east of Clanwilliam; Van Putten's Vlei near Lambert's Bay; 4 miles north of Nieuwoudtville on road to Brandkop in the Bokkeveld Mountains. From: Reynolds, GW. 1974. Aloes of South Africa, 3rd ed. A.A. Balkema, Cape Town. [All rights reserved]
Spoegrivier, Bokkeveld Mountains near Nieuwoudtville to Steytlerville. From: Klopper, RR; Smith, GF. 2013. Asphodelaceae: Aloe. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 45-48. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]
Bokkeveld Mtns to Kleinmond. From: Klopper, RR; Smith, GF. 2012. Asphodelaceae: Aloe L. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 66-70. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]
January to February
75 to 950 m
This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations
Occurrence in the Flora of Southern Africa (FSA) countries and South African provinces. Residence status indicates if a taxon is indigenous, endemic, naturalised or invasive in a specific region. This data is based on specimen records and literature
FSA
SA
BOT
NAM
ESW
LES
WC
EC
NC
FS
GA
KZN
LP
MP
NW
Absent
Indigenous
Endemic
Naturalised
Invasive
Names and Sources
Aloe albispina Haw.
Aloe commelinii Willd.
Aloe flavispina Haw.
Aloe mitriformis Mill. var. albispina (Haw.) A.Berger
Aloe mitriformis Mill. var. angustior Lam.
Aloe mitriformis Mill. var. brevifolia (Aiton) W.T.Aiton
Aloe mitriformis Mill. var. commelinii (Willd.) Baker
Aloe mitriformis Mill. var. elatior Haw.
Aloe mitriformis Mill. var. flavispina (Haw.) Baker
Aloe mitriformis Mill. var. humilior Haw.
Aloe mitriformis Mill. var. xanthacantha (Willd.) Baker
Aloe parvispina Schonland
Aloe perfoliata L. var. brevifolia Aiton
Aloe perfoliata L. var. kappa Willd.
Aloe perfoliata L. var. mitriformis (Mill.) Aiton
Aloe perfoliata L. var. nu L.
Aloe xanthacantha Willd.
Aloe brevifolia (Aiton) Haw., nom.illegit., non Mill. (1768)
Published in: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 7: 23 (1804)
| Common name | Language | Reference/barcode | Published as |
|---|---|---|---|
| kransaalwyn | Afrikaans | Klopper, RR; Smith, GF. 2013. Asphodelaceae: Aloe. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 45-48. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. | |
| kransaalwyn | Afrikaans | Phillips, EP; Smith, CA; Van Hoepen, E. 1966. Common names of South African plants. Mem. Bot. Surv. South Africa 35: 1-642. Government Printer, Pretoria. | |
| mitre aloe | English | Klopper, RR; Smith, GF. 2013. Asphodelaceae: Aloe. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 45-48. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. | |
| mitre aloe | English | Phillips, EP; Smith, CA; Van Hoepen, E. 1966. Common names of South African plants. Mem. Bot. Surv. South Africa 35: 1-642. Government Printer, Pretoria. |
Classification
KINGDOM Plantae
SUBKINGDOM Phanerogamae
PHYLUM Anthophyta
ORDER Asparagales
FAMILY Asphodelaceae
SUBFAMILY Alooideae
GENUS Aloe
SPECIES mitriformis
27 results for Aloe mitriformis Mill.
Barcode: PRE0525928-0 Collector(s) & number: Boucher, C, 3550 | 1978-1-13
South Africa, Western Cape, KLIPRUG; KLIPHEUWEL; MOSSEL BANK RIVER
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090589-0 Collector(s) & number: Pole-Evans, IB, 245 | 1922-2-
South Africa, Western Cape, TULBAGH; NIEUWEKLOOF
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090587-0 Collector(s) & number: Reynolds, GW, 5724 | 1950-1-8
South Africa, Western Cape, LAMBERTS BAY; VAN PUTTENSVLEI; 3 MI. E. OF LAMBERTSBAY
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0793970-0 Collector(s) & number: Kerfoot, O, 5792A | 1967-3-22
South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch District; Jonkershoek; Verlorenkloof.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0833676-0 Collector(s) & number: Kerfoot, O, K 5783 | 1967-2-17
South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch District: Jonkershoek; Langrivier, rocky ledges.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0833653-0 Collector(s) & number: Kerfoot, O, 5674 | 1966-2-
South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch District: Langrivier; Rocky scree.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0833986-0 Collector(s) & number: Kruger, FJ, 1188 | 1971-3-24
South Africa, Western Cape, Paarl District: Klein Drakenstein Mountains; Zachariashoek Catchment Area. On bush-covered rock outcrops.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0577157-0 Collector(s) & number: Burgoyne, PM, 0 | 1998-1-20
South Africa, Western Cape, 33° 12' .362" S: 19° 43' .999" E. Ceres District: Karoopoort Farm.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090593-0 Collector(s) & number: Metter, 141 | 1916-3-6
South Africa, Western Cape, TULBAGH ROAD
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090601-0 Collector(s) & number: Shand, J, 133 | 1916-1-28
South Africa, Western Cape, CLANWILLIAM; LAMBERTS BAY
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0239575-0 Collector(s) & number: Phillips, EP, 7635 | 1911-9-13
South Africa, Western Cape, GIFTBERG
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0692237-0 Collector(s) & number: Taylor, HC, 10916 | 1984-2-14
South Africa, Western Cape, CEDARBERG NORTH; RIBBOKSBERG; N OF PAKHUIS PASS. BETWEEN SLOPING BEDROCK
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0843171-0 Collector(s) & number: Roux, L, 1435 | 2005-2-15
South Africa, Western Cape, Blaauwberg Conservation Area - Garden Cities property at the back of hill on road to Morning Star.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0082945-0 Collector(s) & number: Marloth, HWR, 5135 | --
South Africa, Western Cape, STRAND; WOODSTOCK
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: NBG0203561-0 Collector(s) & number: Boucher, C, 3550 | 1978-1-13
South Africa, Western Cape, Kliprug, Klipheuwel. Rocky outcrop along banks of Mosselbank River.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090603-0 Collector(s) & number: Hardy, DS, 249 | 1960-2-12
South Africa, Western Cape, WORCESTER DIV.; DU TOITS KLOOF PASS; WORCESTER SIDE 2.5 MI. FROM TOP
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090596-0 Collector(s) & number: Marloth, HWR, 7331 | 1915-12-
South Africa, Western Cape, PAARL
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0835146-0 Collector(s) & number: Viviers, M, 1063 | 1983-3-3
South Africa, Western Cape, Wupperthal District: Cedarberg Forest Station; Moutonsklip. Only on rocky outcrops.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0833658-0 Collector(s) & number: Kerfoot, O, 5720 | 1967-1-29
South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch District: Jonkershoek; Verlorenkloof.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090598-0 Collector(s) & number: van Putten, 13394B | 1927-2-1
South Africa, Western Cape, CLANWILLIAM DISTRICT; VAN PUTTEN'S VLEI.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0623875-0 Collector(s) & number: Hugo, L, 2299 | 1980-2-4
South Africa, Western Cape, DE WINKELHAAK, EAST OF HOUDENBEKSBERG
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090567-0 Collector(s) & number: van Putten, 13394 A | 1927-2-1
South Africa, Western Cape, CLANWILLIAM DIV.; Van Putten's Vlei.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0870522-0 Collector(s) & number: Viviers, M, 90 | 1982-1-21
South Africa, Western Cape, Franschoek. Hawequas S.F., Zachariashoek, Oukraalkoppie.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090586-0 Collector(s) & number: Leach, LC, 11359 | 1962-1-29
South Africa, Western Cape, CLANWILLIAM; ELANDS BAY; ROCKY CLIFFS ABOVE BAY
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0090594-0 Collector(s) & number: Smith, CA, 2697 | 1926-3-28
South Africa, Western Cape, CERES; MITCHELL'S PASS; ABOVE ROAD-SIDE ON SIDE OF KRANTZ
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0112969-0 Collector(s) & number: Thompson, MF, 485 | 1967-8-30
South Africa, Western Cape, GIFBERG; ABOUT 15 MI. SE. OF VAN RHYNSDORP AT CAMP SITE BY STREAM ABOVE WATERFALL
General notes: Flowers orange red.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
Barcode: PRE0710250-0 Collector(s) & number: Walters, IB, 196 | 1982-8-
South Africa, Western Cape, GIFBERG MTS.; VLEIKRAAL; E OF KLAWER - VAN RHYNSDORP. NE STEEP ROCKY SLOPE OF MT.
Data Resource: BODATSA View record
This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations
2025
PERIODICAL/JOURNAL
A further step towards stabilising the nomenclature associated with the genus name Aloe (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae): the legitimate name A. perfoliata and the illegitimate name A. mitriformis are based on the same type, with notes on the identity of A. mitriformis Smith, GF; Klopper, RR; Woudstra, Y; Grace, OMPhytotaxa 700: 223-232
2013
SERIES CHAPTER
Asphodelaceae: Aloe Klopper, RR; Smith, GFIn: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 45-48
South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria
2012
SERIES CHAPTER
Asphodelaceae: Aloe L. Klopper, RR; Smith, GFIn: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 66-70
South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria
2011
SERIES
The aloe names book Grace, OM; Klopper, RR; Figueiredo, E; Smith, GFStrelitzia 28: 1-232
South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria
2000
FLORA
Aloe Glen, HF; Hardy, DSIn: G Germishuizen & E du Plessis (eds), Aloaceae (first part). Flora of Southern Africa 5(1),11-167
National Botanical Institute, Pretoria
1974
No results found for Aloe mitriformis Mill.
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