tree aloe
Aloidendron barberae (Dyer) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm.
Aloidendron barberae, known as tree aloe, is a tall arborescent plant native to South Africa, Mozambique, and surrounding regions. It can grow up to 18 m in height with a stem diameter of 0.9 m. This species is distinguished by its dichotomously branched, erect stem and large, recurved, dull green leaves. Its inflorescences are 0.4–0.6 m tall, with rose-pink, tubular flowers pollinated by sunbirds. It is one of only two large-growing tree aloes in KwaZulu-Natal and is used as an ornamental plant.
Description
Aloidendron barberae is a member of the Asphodelaceae family, characterized by a tall, branched stem and dense rosettes of ensiform leaves, 60–90 cm long. The leaves are dull green with a white marginal border and cartilaginous, deltoid teeth. The inflorescence is 0.4–0.6 m tall, 3-branched, with cylindrical racemes 20–30 cm long. The flowers are rose-pink, 33–37 mm long, with stamens exserted to 15 mm. It differs from Aloidendron tongaense by its greater height, larger leaves, and distinct inflorescence structure. It is native to South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique, and Swaziland, and is recognized as Africa's largest aloe-like plant.
Other common names
tree aloe
Distribution
Africa · Cape Provinces · KwaZulu-Natal · Mozambique · Northern Provinces · Swaziland
Synonyms
Aloe bainesiiAloe bainesii var. barberaeAloe barberaeAloe zeyheriAloe zeyheri
