Aloe polyphylla  Aloe polyphylla, commonly called the spiral aloe, is an endangered native of the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho, Africa. Growing in rock crevices at high altitudes, it is the only alpine member of the genus Aloe. Threats to populations of spiral aloe include overgrazing, unsustainable harvesting by plant enthusiasts and people interested in its medicinal properties, and the increasing rarity of its pollinator, the Malachite Sunbird. Currently, cooperative efforts between conservationists and nurseries to propagate plants for commercial trade are having some success in reducing the numbers of spiral aloes collected from wild populations. |
