SA. pillansii is a succulent tree which is a distinctive element of the succulent Karoo flora of the arid areas of southwestern South Africa. They often exist as single plants growing in a water-stressed environment. Huge individuals, some hundreds of years old, tower above the rest of the vegetation.
The distribution of the plant is confined to the Richtersveld at Cornellskop as well as in the Richtersveld National Park and with marginal distribution around Rosh Pinah in Namibia. A. pillansii is a charismatic element (interesting plants that appeal to humans) of arid landscapes of South Africa. A. pillansii is an obligate seeder and its replacement comes from seedlings. As aloes are almost the only bird-pollinated species in the area, they are important food sources for sunbirds and many other birds.
They are often the only tall plants in the area and thus they are advantage points for raptors and are safe sites for birds which nest amongst the leaves or which bore into the stem. A. pillansii is a reservoir of hundreds of litres of water, which is accessible to a host of animals. This may be important for the survival of many species during extremely arid times. |
