Aloe vryheidensis (formerly A.dolomitica ?)

[amarguy]

First bloom for this 5 year old volunteer. I suspect it to be a cross between Aloe vryheidensis (formerly A.dolomitica ?) and a nearby A.ferox, which bloom at the same time, both loved by honeybees. This plant REALLY took off once I planted in the ground about 18 months ago. The
Aloe in the background was sold as an A. x'Goliath' and has been in bloom for over a month now.

[Karen Zimmerman]

Beautiful plant. I'm curious, do the flowers have a dark brown nectar visible?

[amarguy]

Hey Karen,

No ... this one does not share that aspect which was found in the Aloe vryhiedensis/dolomitca parent ... but other than that, the individual florets are very similar. One thing different in this plant, that I don't see in my A.vryhieidensis, is having a multiple-branching in the infloresence. Also, the leaves of this apparent hybrid are more grey-green like that of the nearby A.ferox, but do not share all the prickles. Here's a shot of the A.vryhiedensis:

[Karen Zimmerman]

Oh well, just a thought. I love that aspect of that one. We have one at work (as A. dolomitica), but now A. castanea, that is a very pretty orange fl. with a big drop of brown molasses-tasting nectar.

[Allen Repashy]

Originally Posted by Karen Zimmerman

with a big drop of brown molasses-tasting nectar.

LOL,

I am picturing Karen making her daily walk around the Huntington like a humming bird..... licking all the flowers.....and taking notes "This one tastes like......." I know you like to hybridize, but I didn't realize you were doing it with your tongue!

[Karen Zimmerman]

LOL! Don't be giving away all my secrets!!!

[Karen Zimmerman]

Seriously, though, it amazes me that more birds don't come around and drink it. The plant produces copious amounts of nectar, and it seems to go unnoticed by hummers and other birds. Bees come around and take the pollen.

[amarguy]

I also grow A.castanea ... not sure if it is the same plant as A.vryhiedensis or not ... I thought A.dolomitica was the previous name for A.vryhiedensis.

In any case ... I have had Western Orioles discover and devour the nectar from my Aloes. Both the male and female on the same stalk at the same time! I've tried to photo them but Orioles seem extremely flighty. I believe they are transitory, and the bloom time seems usually earlier than when they normally come through in late March and April. The Orioles also love Melianthus major flowers and nectar. I've recently seen a sparrow sized bird sipping nectar from the A.goliath. I too, am surprised the hummers seem unattracted to the Aloe nectar. I haven't tasted it myself ... yet!

Ken

[Karen Zimmerman]

I"ve only tasted the castanea nectar, on the recommendation of John Trager.

[Karen Zimmerman]

I have seen many sparrow-like birds sipping nectar from aloes in the Desert Garden, such as A. rupestris. I guess I'll have to try some other species to see what the buzz is about.
I hope you are able to catch those orioles at some point. I'd love to see a picture.

[amarguy]

I caught one on the Honeybush (Melianthus major):

[thornforest]

I too have had avian visitors to my my Aloe castanea, which is presently
decked out with inflorescence(2-28-10). I didnt see the species but it was feeding voraciously head buried in the flowers while clinging to the "raceme". I agree Hooded Oriole's visit later and will nest in mostly Palms here near La Mesa Calif.( Have seen a Scott's Oriole here , although rare visitor , on Opuntia littoralis (Coastal Prickly Pear) in nearby Canyon.

[Quinton]

Aloe dolomitica was lumped under Aloe vryheidensis.

Your plant does indeed look like ferox x vryheidensis.