Aloe mitriformis Mill. This prostrate succulent is from South Africa, where it grows on rocky sandstone and granite from the Bokkeveld mountains to Kleinmond. The stems sprawl along the ground, turning upwards at the ends and sending up short, thick, fleshy, greyish, lance-shaped, usually unmarked leaves, 30cm (1ft) long, 15cm (6in) wide, with toothed margins and occasionally a stray spine on the back. The teeth are white when young, turning brownish yellow on older leaves. The inflorescence consists of several dense clusters of drooping scarlet flowers, around 7.5cm (3in) long, borne from winter to spring.
Cultivation Grow in sandy soil in a warm sunny spot.
Height to 60cm (2ft); spread to 3m (10ft). USZ 10–11, surviving -1°C (30°F) of overnight frost. Tolerant of summer drought.