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Kumara plicatilis (L.) G.D.Rowley
| Family Name: | Asphodelaceae |
| Synonyms: | Aloe disticha var. plicatilis, Aloe flabelliformis, Rhipidodendrum plicatile, Aloe plicatilis |
| Common Name: | Fan Aloe, 重塔盧薈 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 3 m to 5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South Africa |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large shrub with fan-shaped leaves, typically growing up to 1-2m tall. In the wild, it can form a small tree up to 5m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Greyish green, fleshy leaves (30 cm long, 4 cm wide) are linear and arranged in 2 files, forming a fan-like shape. Leaf margin is mostly smooth with a few small teeth near the tip. |
| Flowers | Bright red, fleshy flowers are tubular (5 cm long). Up to 30 flowers are arranged in a raceme with each fan-shaped set of leaves producing only 1 raceme. |
| Cultivation | This species requires a cool climate for optimal growth. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Pest(s) | Vertebrates (Herbivores) |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | Slow |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thick / Fleshy |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
| Flower Size | 5 cm |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31724 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6123 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |