New species of aloe discovered on Farm 215
In 2004, an unknown aloe species was spotted growing on a rocky outcrop in the fynbos reserve of farm 215. After being brought to the attention of botanists, Ernst van Jaarsveld, the succulent expert of the National Botanical Institute last month came to the conclusion that it indeed is a new species. Having tentatively named it Aloe Juddii , he described the new aloe species in an article which will be published in the Aloe Journal. He gave his permission to use some of his notes on the new aloe:
"Aloe juddii is immediately distinguished from its closest relative, A. commixta, by its sublaxly flowering racemes of orange-red flowers flowering during November. Aloe comixta is more robust, with yellowish flowers (during August and September) and the flowers densely arranged. Aloe juddii appears to be endemic to the coastal mountains just east of Gansbaai (Overberg), and A. commixta to the Cape Peninsula. These two are characterised by their bright green, firm, dense, ascending branches sprouting from a lignotuber after fire (all in Sandstone Fynbos), but can easily be distinguished by the flowers. The new aloe is named for the well-known aloe artist Eric Judd who has contributed so much to the interest and conservation of aloes. Eric is currently preparing paintings of fynbos aloes for a joint publication with the present author (Ernst van Jaarsveld)."
The Aloe juddii (or 'Koudeberg Aloe' as is the common name some local conservationists have given to the plant since its distribution seems to be confined to the southernmost range of the 'Koueberge', the mountains east of Gansbaai between Kraaiboschdam and Baardskeerdersbos) is at present - with an estimated number of 80 individual plants - known from five different locations in the reserve of farm 215 and from one location in Boskloof, north of Baardskeerdersbos. It always hugs or grows on rocky outcrops where it seems to enjoy a relative protection from wild fires.
