textAdminOnlyNameForClipboard
Uitenhage Aloe
Aloe africana
SA tree no: 282
English: Uitenhage Aloe, African Aloe, Spiked Aloe
Afrikaans: Uitenhaagsaalwyn, Uitenhage-aalwyn
Xhosa: Ikhala
Historical scientific names: Aloe atrovirens, Aloe grandidentata, Aloe perfoliata var. africana
Aloe africana, commonly known as the Uitenhage Aloe, is a striking, single-stemmed, arborescent (tree-like) aloe indigenous to the Eastern Cape. It is highly valued for its imposing stature, robust trunk, and dense rosette of recurved, bluish-green leaves, topped by magnificent, tall, multi-branched candelabra-like flower spikes of orange-yellow flowers.
Have you got a better picture?
If you don't mind us using it, please upload it by clicking the Upload button below (you must be logged in to do this)
Distinguishing features:
Single, usually unbranched, sturdy stem.
Dense, often symmetrical rosette of blue-green or greenish-blue, recurved leaves.
Leaf margins have prominent reddish-brown teeth.
Tall, multi-branched flower spikes, arranged in a distinctive candelabra shape.
Flowers are typically orange-yellow, becoming redder with age.
Overall appearance:
Aloe africana is a majestic, tree-like aloe that grows as a solitary, upright stem, crowned by a dense and often symmetrical rosette of arching, bluish-green leaves. Its most spectacular feature is its towering inflorescence (flower stalk) that branches into multiple upright spikes, creating a dramatic candelabra effect in winter.
Height:
Typically grows 2 to 5 metres tall, but can sometimes reach up to 6 metres or more.
Width:
The crown of leaves can spread to a width of 1 to 2 metres.
Leaves:
The leaves are large, thick, fleshy, and strongly recurved (curving downwards and outwards), forming a dense rosette at the top of the stem. They are typically 60-90 cm long and 10-15 cm wide at the base. The colour is a distinctive blue-green or greenish-blue, sometimes with a purplish tinge in full sun or dry conditions. The margins are edged with prominent, reddish-brown, sharp teeth (spines), typically 4-6 mm long and spaced about 1-2 cm apart.
Flowers:
The flowers are tubular, about 2.5-3.5 cm long, and densely packed onto tall, erect spikes (racemes). Each inflorescence is typically multi-branched, forming a candelabra-like structure with 5 to 12 or more individual racemes, each up to 60 cm long. The flowers are typically orange-yellow, often turning more reddish or brownish-red as they age or with sun exposure. The stamens are exerted (protrude beyond the petals). Aloe africana flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts, so it is not dioecious.
Flowering season:
In South Africa, it primarily flowers in late winter to early spring (around July to September), with its peak display often in August, making it a prominent winter-flowering aloe.
Fruits:
The fruit is a dry capsule that develops after the flowers are fertilised. It is typically oblong, 2-3 cm long, and splits into three valves when mature to release the seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are small, flattened, and winged, typically 2-3 mm long, with a dark brown to black colour. The wings aid in wind dispersal.
Stem:
The stem (trunk) is sturdy, usually unbranched (though sometimes a stem may branch after injury or severe stress), and covered with persistent, dry, old leaf bases. These dry leaf bases provide a textured, brownish-grey appearance and offer protection to the stem. Stems are fleshy and fibrous.
Thorns:
The leaf margins are armed with prominent, sharp, reddish-brown teeth or spines.
Roots:
It has a relatively shallow, fibrous root system that helps it anchor and absorb moisture, especially in rocky or well-drained soils.
Soil type:
It is highly adaptable and thrives in well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It is particularly well-suited to dry, arid, or semi-arid conditions but can also grow in areas with moderate rainfall, provided drainage is good.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun. It is highly drought-tolerant and can withstand heat and dry conditions. It is moderately frost-tolerant once established but can be damaged by severe or prolonged frost.
Edibility:
Not considered edible. While some aloe species have medicinal uses, Aloe africana is not typically used for food.
Toxicity:
Like many aloes, the sap contains anthraquinones, which can be purgative and irritating if ingested. The leaves are bitter and unpalatable. While not acutely toxic in small amounts, large ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset. The spines on the leaves can cause physical injury.
Uses:
Primarily cultivated as a striking ornamental plant in gardens, landscapes, and succulent collections due to its impressive architectural form, distinctive leaf colour, and spectacular winter flower display. It is excellent for xeriscaping (water-wise gardening), rockeries, and for creating a dramatic focal point. Its size makes it suitable for larger gardens or public spaces. Traditionally, the sap of some aloe species is used medicinally, but specific uses for Aloe africana are less prominent than for Aloe ferox.
Ecology:
The vibrant orange-yellow flowers of Aloe africana are a crucial food source for various pollinators, especially during winter when many other plants are not flowering. These include sunbirds (which are strongly attracted to its nectar), bees, and other insects. The robust structure of the plant provides some shelter for small animals and birds.
Distribution and habitat:
Aloe africana is indigenous and endemic to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, with its natural range extending from the Humansdorp district eastward through Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Uitenhage (hence "Uitenhage Aloe"), reaching areas around Makhanda (Grahamstown). It typically grows in dry, rocky areas, on hillsides, in open bushveld, and in thicket vegetation, often forming prominent features in the landscape.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Aloe is derived from the Arabic word "alloeh" or Hebrew "allal," meaning "bitter," referring to the bitter sap found in the leaves of many aloe species.
The species name africana is Latin for "African," referring to its continent of origin.
Common names like "Uitenhage Aloe" refer to its prominent distribution around the town of Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape. "Spiked Aloe" refers to its upright flower spikes.
Historical aspects:
Aloe africana has been known to indigenous communities in the Eastern Cape for centuries, likely for some traditional uses, though less extensively than Aloe ferox. It was one of the earliest South African aloes to be described scientifically, dating back to the 17th century. Its distinctive appearance and hardiness have made it a popular choice for cultivation in gardens both locally and internationally. While not as heavily harvested as Aloe ferox for its bitter sap, wild populations face threats from habitat loss and illegal collection for the ornamental trade. It is important to ensure that plants are sourced from reputable, legal nurseries.
Interesting facts:
This aloe is a natural candelabra! In winter, it shoots up these incredible, multi-branched flower stalks that look just like a fancy candelabra, lighting up the landscape with orange-yellow blooms.
It's tough as nails! The Uitenhage Aloe is incredibly drought-tolerant and loves soaking up the full South African sun, making it perfect for water-wise gardens.
Sunbirds go absolutely wild for its flowers! They're like little darting jewels, zipping in and out of the blooms to sip on the sweet nectar, especially during the colder months when food is scarce.
Despite its imposing size, it's a very low-maintenance plant once it's settled in, asking for little more than sunshine and good drainage.
Growing tips:
Propagation: Best grown from fresh seed, which should be sown in sandy, well-drained compost. It can also be propagated from cuttings of the stem if the plant is severely damaged (e.g., from frost), but this is not a common method for healthy plants.
Planting: Requires well-drained soil. If planting in clay soil, amend heavily with sand and compost to improve drainage. Choose a full sun position.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Very drought-tolerant once established.
Frost Protection: Protect young plants from severe frost. Mature plants can tolerate light frost, but prolonged cold or wet conditions can be detrimental.
Feeding: Feed sparingly with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, especially during its active growing season. Over-fertilising can lead to soft, unhealthy growth.
Pests/Diseases: Generally hardy, but watch out for aloe snout beetle (if prevalent in your area), scale insects, and rust. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)