Kumara haemanthifolia

Kumara haemanthifolia, sometimes commonly called the blood aloe and previously known as Aloe haemanthifolia, is a leaf succulent that forms clumps of up to twenty fans of strap-shaped leaves and reaches heights around 38 cm. The stemless plant is a robust grower.

Molecular studies indicated that the two South African species of Kumara, K. haemanthifolia and K. plicatilis, do not share the same ancestor as the other Aloe species. This necessitated the move out of Aloe, and the decision was back to an old genus name, Kumara. The origin of this name is unknown.

The species distribution is restricted in the Western Cape from Tulbagh to the Slanghoek Mountains, the Riviersonderend Mountains and the Hex River Mountains.

The habitat is high and steep, rocky fynbos mountain slopes and peaks. The habitat population is deemed of least concern early in the twenty first century. The species enjoys some protection from its out of the way distribution, although some collectors without consideration for nature or law do some mischief. Admired by many, these plants can be cultivated successfully only by a select few in possession of the appropriate horticultural skills and with access to places of unusual growing conditions (Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Reynolds, 1974; iNaturalist; iSpot).