Aloe maculata
Plant suitable for
use on Green Roofs in the Durban Area
Aloe maculata
is one of a number of plant
species which are presently being tested for their
suitability to be grown as Green Roof
plants in the Durban region that have initially shown good results.
They all
occur naturally within a radius of 50 km of the Durban
city centre
Aloe
maculata is a leaf
succulent found growing in full sun in grassland and on steep exposed
road
cuttings in and around Durban
often very close to the sea. They are able to withstand a far amount of
competition from other plants provided that they do not become too
shaded.
Growth habit
They grow as low to
medium growing individual plants in small colonies, they reproduce by
means of root suckers and by means of seed .
Decorative value
These plants are
most decorative having medium glossy green leaves and a very neat
growth habit, they produce spectacular orange flowers in profusion in
mid winter
Drought resistance
In their natural
habitat they are able to withstand long periods of drought due to being
leaf succulents as well as having a good root system with a good water
storage capacity
Disease and pest resistance
They are rather
prone to attack by scale and mealy bug that attacks the roots, these
mealy bugs appear to be introduced to the plants by ants which tend and
protect them from their natural enemies. They are also attached by leaf
miner insects.
Suitability as Green Roof plants
Initial testing has
produced encouraging results
Biodiversity value in the Green
Roof landscape
They create robust
habitat and protection for other green roof dwellers. Their flowers
attract pollinating insects in particular honey bees and should attract
White Bellied and Black Sun birds which feed on their nectar in their
natural surroundings.
Cautions and precautions in the Green Roof
application
The roots could
possibly pose a problem if inadequate protection is taken to prevent
root penetration into the waterproof layer.
Ecoman Durban Indigenous
Landscape Design Consultant
Bio-Diverse Indigenous Landscaping I design
landscapes and gardens that are Bio-Diverse as well as being pleasing
to the eye
Landscapes and Gardens that are Nature Friendly
I use my many years of landscape planning and design as well as
landscape construction experience coupled to my vast knowledge of the
requirements of nature to create habitat suitable for birds,
butterflies and other creatures to live and breed in.
I
always apply the basic principles of good landscape design to create an
aesthetically pleasing garden that at the same time satisfies the
living requirements of the target creatures that I would like to
attract. My speciality is to attract birds, butterflies and solitary
bees. I design and build Bio-Diverse Roof Gardens
So
let Ecoman design and create a garden for you that will
be a haven for wildlife such as birds, butterflies, frogs and lizards
in the number of species comparable to Kruger National
Park.
For all of your Green Roof requirements contact Michael Hickman
Specialist in Green Roof Technology at +27 82 061 2593 or email at
info@ecoman.co.za
