Aloe pearsonii

This species can be found 18km from the mouth of the Orange River, it's most western position with larger colonies located inside and outside the Sperrgebiet, south of Luderitz. The southerly or westerly slopes of the drier parts of that region of the Namib Desert appear to be a favourite setting.

A. pearsonii are a multi-branched, shrubby plant with numerous leafed stems growing up to 1.5m. On these stems, 5 rows of small but thick triangular leaves, set closely to each other, grow from the top down, curving downward. At the bottom of the stem are sets of old, dry leaves.

Although red is the most prominent colour, the leaves are known to change greener with a more distinctive thin stripes. Flowers are absent for most of the year but appear from January to March, changing from a tired rusty shade, to yellow or a fresh red.