Aloe Suzannae Blooming At The Huntington

 We visited the Huntington just before Christmas to see what Aloes were in bloom.  Aloe ferox above, Aloe barberae and Aloe 'Erik The Red' (?) below

 Several of the epic old Aloe barberae have been recently removed due to age and rot.  There are one or two left, along with newly planted young specimens.

 A surviving Aloe barberae

 I wish I'd bought Aloe sabea when I saw it for sale.  Have not seen it available since.  It's like a super model version of thraskii.

 A large group of 'David Verity' near the desert conservatory always puts on a spectacular show

 Aloe rubroviolacea is blooming again.  It was blooming last year at this time, and in spring, and in summer as well. 

 Rupestris? The Western Scrub Jay was pecking at the flowers--picking out insects, or nectar?

 This was an interesting cross: vaombe x barberae.  There's a small flower stalk emerging.

 Somewhat of an autumnal look due to the Sycamores. 

 Aloe aculeata.  This was blooming at rather a small size, so perhaps I won't be waiting a decade for my seedling to bloom.

 Aloe elegans, yellow form. Someone was isolating a flower for hybridization and seed collection.

Ah, there it is, a plant I've wondered about since it vanished from the garden some months ago.  This Aloe suzannae was once falling over into a pathway.  Last visit it was suddenly gone.  They replanted it here.

 Here's another suzannae, and it is blooming! This species is a slow grower and reluctant bloomer, so this is an event.  I wonder if they will bag up some flowers to collect pure seed. 

 None of suzannae's flowers were yet open. 

 Aloe suzannae is endemic to Madagascar.  Madagascar is also home to Euphorbia enterophora.  The Huntington's is apparently a mere start, judging by the plant in the link.  Appears to be a plant snob's version of E. turucalli--very cool!

 Well, enough for now.  I did spot this gorgeousness near the place where a giant Aloe barberae had been removed.  Wowza.  Anyone could have stepped on it without noticing. 

 There are treasures everywhere, if we care to look.