Aloe descoingsii

Aloe descoingsii is a tiny plant from southern Madagascar. It is an evergreen succulent and stores water in its leaves. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. Its home range includes the Fiherenana Valley in the southwest. There, it grows in shallow soil on limestone cliff tops. These sites have a dry shrubland or desert climate. LLIFLE reports threats to the species in its home range.

The plant forms low clumps of small, close-set rosettes. These are groups of leaves that grow in a ring. Each rosette can reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] across. The leafy clump stands about 0.2 feet [0.06 metres] tall. RHS gives a top height of 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. Mature clumps spread 0.33–1.64 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants have no clear stem, or just a short one. Offsets, or small new plants, grow into dense groups. RHS gives two to five years for plants to mature.

The thick, fleshy leaves are grey-green to dark grey-green. Strong sun can give them an earthy tone. Each rosette holds about eight to ten stiff leaves. Their broad bases narrow toward the tips and curl inward. Pale marks cover the rough leaf surface. Small white teeth line the leaf edges. In spring and summer, thin stalks rise above the leaves. These reach about 0.39–0.59 feet [0.12–0.18 metres] tall. The small flowers have an urn shape. They are orange-red and have yellow tips.

Grow this aloe in a bright indoor spot or greenhouse. RHS calls for full sun, including a sunny windowsill. LLIFLE also allows light shade. It warns against hot afternoon sun. Use peat-free cactus compost, or loam-based compost with added grit. The pot and growing mix must drain well. Give modest amounts of water while the plant grows. Give very little in winter. RHS calls for liquid feed each month from May through August. Its H1B rating allows outdoor summer use in suitable warmth. Give it shelter and keep it free from frost. LLIFLE suggests cool winter conditions to help flower buds form.

Its small size suits pots, windowsills, and displays in conservatories. LLIFLE also lists rock gardens among its uses. Raise new plants from seed or divide the offsets. Remove old flower stalks and split crowded clumps when needed. Scale insects and mealybugs may attack the plant. RHS reports few disease problems. RHS warns that eating it can harm people and pets. It also calls for gloves and other protection when handling it.