Aloe variegata L. Partridge-Breast Aloe, Tiger Aloe or Kanniedood Aloe This succulent grows wild in South Africa, from Namaqualand and the Western Karoo to Uniondale, where it inhabits gravelly clay desert flats. It is stemless and makes only a small rosette of very thick, stiff, sword-shaped leaves, to 35cm (14in) long and 2cm (3⁄4in) wide, arranged in three ranks. The fleshy, dark green leaves are horizontally striped and edged with white (hence the name). Loose spikes of hanging, bright pinkish to red flowers, 3–4.5cm (1 1⁄4–1 3⁄4in) long, edged white at the throat, are produced in spring on purple stems.
Cultivation Grow in sandy soil in a warm sunny place, or in a container on a sunny windowsill.
Height to 40cm (16in); spread to 30cm (12in). USZ 10–11, surviving -1°C (30°F) of overnight frost. Tolerant of summer drought.