The environment within which Aloe polyphylla grows is atypical of southern Africa. The bleak, misty Maluti Mountains of western Lesotho are quite unsuitable for most of the other Aloe species of this generally Aloe rich region. The climatic conditions conducive to A. polyphylla are hard to replicate in most gardens, as many who have planted this Aloe have discovered to their dismay. It is best not to attempt growing endangered or vulnerable plants in conditions where the probability of success is low. Personal frustration can be avoided and plants can be saved to boost low population numbers.

This specimen, however, is thriving in the Botanical Garden of Melbourne in Australia where the species has become popular. Leaf colour can here be seen to be more yellowish green than on the plants photographed in their Lesotho habitat. Interesting to note here also is the opposite spiralling displayed by the two plants in picture.

It may also be that a form of A. polyphylla has managed wider adaptation to different growing conditions, partly refuting the above statement that discourages gardening challenges: It is by attempting new challenges after all that developmental breakthroughs are achieved. Caution from logic and experience will help judgment.

Culture has less time to achieve success than nature. The endless, blind experimentation attempting everything in nature is impervious to adversity. The millions of random failures without ever losing patience or resolve, is not for people. They don’t last that long and can’t sustain intentionality that long (Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Jeppe, 1969).

(Also see the entry on this Aloe in the Mountains Album under Habitat.)