Gonialoe variegata is a dwarf species which looks like an aloe when it flowers but it actually more closely related to Gasteria than to aloes. It used to be called Aloe variegata but after recent genetic studies of the different aloe and aloe-like succulents found in South Africa, the name was changed to reflect the fact that is is an outlier genetically. In practice, this means that if you were trying to create interspecies hybrid, you would have more luck crossing these with Gasteria than with aloes although I have seen hybrids created with certain aloes.
It's found in very arid areas so it is easier to kill through overwatering than many other aloes are, which is why I am growing this one in clay rather than in a plastic pot. I had it in a plastic but it wasn't happy and the roots looked like they were dying off so I switched it into clay.
It isn't used medicinally but there are many interesting folk-beliefs attached to this plant. In Afrikaans, it is called Kanniedood which means "Can't die" because it will flower even when it's roots aren't in the soil, so it is associated with immortality and planted on graves. There is also a superstition that if a plant being cared for dies, so will the person taking care of it.
Plants were also hung in the roof of huts of young women and if the aloe flowered while in the roof, this was deemed to be a good omen for a girl's future fertility.
No pressure...
No pressure at all..
I always thought that was aloe too. Pretty pattern on the leaves which does remind me Gasteria now that you said it.
So did everyone else, the genetic studies told us differently
So did everyone
Else, the genetic studies
Told us differently
- nikv
I'm a bot. I detect haiku.
If the plant dies, then so does the person taking care of it! No wonder you switched the plastic pot to clay, you'll want to care extra good care of this one.😁
Oh Yes!
Gosh this is beautiful. Amazing how much artwork there is in nature.
Most of art and science imitates nature
About the scarlet has always been a lot of stories about their amazing properties and usefulness for improving the body.
Beautiful!
I thought it was Aloe!
I like!
It is a close relative and used to be called Aloe variegata
Thank you!
So have it sold with the old name.
Love the shape, should be called the Bermuda.
Poor girls with such preasure to flower.
How to feel cursed!
Well, superstitions aside, this plant looks really cool !
Thanks for sharing !
Thank you
@nikv I agree with @byash. This plant looks really cool nd kinda cute too.
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I think I saw it somewhere..does it grows in Tropical regions like India?
No it doesn't, it is a desert plant
I liked your interesting story about this plant.
And the photo is beautiful with such sharp leaves in
speckles and framed like a ribbon !
Legends and folk tales are also interesting and mysterious.
I've never met anyone like that.
Thanks for telling me about him, @nikv .
Very interesting customs and superstitions connected with this plant.
I have it, I like it very much.