Aloe reitzii var. reitzii Seeds

Aloe reitzii var. reitzii is a robust and spectacular aloe species which comes from the grassland areas of Mpumalanga but is restricted to a very small area in the vicinity of Belfast. This aloe is endemic to this area and occurs nowhere else in the world.

Although it is a rather rare species of aloe, it is easily distinguished by the handsome erect red flower spikes that are produced in summer (unlike most aloes that produce their flowers in winter.) This summer flowering habit makes it a useful subject for cold gardens where the flowers of other aloes often get frosted off in the cold winter months.

Above: Aloe reitzii var. reitzii at 18 months
The added advantage of growing aloes in the garden is the attraction of sunbirds to the flowers for nectar. These colourful little birds are a joy to watch as they flit from flower to flower collecting the nectar and pollinating the flowers.