| Aloe
maculata is a leaf
succulent found growing in full sun in grassland and on steep exposed
road
cuttings in and around Durban
often very close to the sea. They are able to withstand a far amount of
competition from other plants provided that they do not become too
shaded.
Growth habit
They grow
as low to medium growing individual plants in small colonies, they
reproduce by
means of root suckers and by means of seed .
Decorative value
These
plants are most decorative having medium glossy green leaves and a very
neat
growth habit, they produce spectacular orange flowers in profusion in
mid
winter
Drought resistance
In their
natural habitat they are able to withstand long periods of drought due
to being
leaf succulents as well as having a good root system with a good water
storage
capacity
Disease and pest resistance
They are
rather prone to attack by scale and mealy bug that attacks the roots,
these
mealy bugs appear to be introduced to the plants by ants which tend and
protect
them from their natural enemies. They are also attached by leaf miner
insects.
Suitability as Green Roof plants
Initial
testing has produced encouraging results
Biodiversity value in the Green
Roof landscape
They create
robust habitat and protection for other green roof dwellers. Their
flowers
attract pollinating insects in particular honey bees and should attract
White
Bellied and Black Sun birds which feed on their nectar in their natural
surroundings.
Cautions and precautions in the
Green Roof
application
The roots
could possibly pose a problem if inadequate protection is taken to
prevent root
penetration into the waterproof layer.
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