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Tree Aloe
Aloidendron barberae
SA tree no: 28
English: Tree Aloe, Giant Tree Aloe, Giant Aloe, East African Tree Aloe, Eastern Tree Aloe
Afrikaans: Boomaalwyn, Boom-aalwyn, Mikaalwyn, Mik-aalwyn
Xhosa: Ikhala
Zulu: Umgxwala, Indlabendlazi, Impondonndo, Inkalane-enkulu, Umhlabandlanzi, Umpondonde, Impodondo, Umhlalampofu
Historical scientific names: Aloe barberae, Aloe bainesii, Aloe bainesii var. barberae,
Aloidendron barberae, commonly known as the Tree Aloe or Giant Tree Aloe, is Africa's largest and most impressive arborescent (tree-like) aloe. This magnificent indigenous succulent is characterised by its massive, often branched trunk, crowned by dense rosettes of long, deeply channelled, bright green leaves, and its relatively inconspicuous, yet charming, rose-pink to salmon-pink flowers that bloom in winter. It creates a stunning architectural statement in the landscape.
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Distinguishing features:
Massive, thick, often branching trunk, which can be greyish and rough.
The largest of all African aloes, reaching impressive heights.
Branches dichotomously (forked branches), eventually forming a spreading, rounded crown.
Long, deeply channelled, and recurved, bright green leaves in dense rosettes.
Leaf margins have small, horny, brownish-tipped teeth.
Flowers are typically rose-pink to salmon-pink, often with green tips in bud, and are relatively small for the plant's size.
Flowers predominantly in early to mid-winter.
Overall appearance:
Aloidendron barberae is a truly monumental succulent, growing into a multi-branched, majestic tree with a broad, rounded crown. Its thick, gnarled trunk and distinctive forking branches give it a sculptural quality, while the lush green foliage and winter flowers add a touch of grace to its imposing stature.
Height:
The tallest of the tree aloes, typically growing 8 to 18 metres tall, but exceptionally can reach up to 20 metres.
Width:
The spreading crown can reach a width of 3 to 6 metres, or even more in very old specimens.
Leaves:
The leaves are long (up to 90 cm), narrow, deeply channelled (U-shaped in cross-section), and recurved, forming dense rosettes at the ends of the branches. They are a bright, deep green, sometimes with a reddish tinge in strong sun. The margins are edged with small, horny, brownish-tipped teeth or spines, typically 2-3 mm long.
Flowers:
The flowers are tubular, relatively small (2.5-3.5 cm long), and densely packed onto cylindrical racemes (spikes). The inflorescence typically has multiple racemes, forming an upright cluster. The flowers are usually rose-pink to salmon-pink, often with green tips, especially in bud. The stamens are exerted (protrude beyond the petals). Aloidendron barberae flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
In South Africa, it predominantly flowers in early to mid-winter (around May to July).
Fruits:
The fruit is a dry capsule that develops after the flowers are fertilised. It is typically oblong and splits into three valves when mature to release the seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are small, flattened, and winged, typically dark brown to black. They are naturally dispersed by wind.
Bark:
The bark on young branches is smooth and greyish. As the tree matures, the bark on the main stem and older branches becomes rough, fissured, and greyish, often with a textured appearance from persistent old leaf bases.
Thorns:
The leaves have small, horny teeth on their margins. The overall impression is less "thorny" than Aloe ferox, but the teeth are present.
Wood:
Like other aloes, Aloidendron barberae produces fibrous, succulent stems, not true wood in the botanical sense.
Roots:
It develops a relatively shallow, spreading root system, but the stem base can grow very large and is often considered aggressive in its growth, so care should be taken when planting near buildings or paved areas.
Soil type:
Thrives in deep, fertile, well-drained soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy, but good drainage is crucial. It prefers a pH from neutral to slightly acidic.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering, but can tolerate moderate partial shade. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established but benefits from additional summer water for vigorous growth. It is sensitive to severe frost, especially when young, and requires protection in cooler areas.
Edibility:
Not considered edible. While other aloe species have medicinal uses, Aloidendron barberae is not typically used for food.
Toxicity:
Like many aloes, the sap contains anthraquinones, which can cause gastrointestinal upset (severe discomfort) if ingested in large quantities.
Uses:
Primarily used as a magnificent ornamental tree in large gardens, parks, and public spaces due to its impressive size, architectural form, and lush foliage. It makes a striking focal point or specimen tree. It is also used in xeriscaping in suitable climates. Its flowers attract birds and insects.
Ecology:
The rose-pink to salmon-pink flowers are rich in nectar and attract various pollinators, notably sunbirds (which are the primary pollinators in its natural environment), as well as weavers and white-eyes. Its large size and branching structure provide excellent nesting and roosting sites for birds and other arboreal wildlife.
Distribution and habitat:
Aloidendron barberae is indigenous to the eastern regions of Southern Africa. Its distribution stretches from the Eastern Cape (around East London) through KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Eswatini (Swaziland), extending northwards into Mozambique (as far as Inhambane) and even East Africa (with a disjunct collection in Cheringoma). It naturally occurs in subtropical coastal forests, kloofs (ravines), and dry valleys, typically in areas that receive summer rainfall.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Aloidendron is a new generic name (separated from Aloe in 2013), derived from "Aloe" and "dendron" (Greek for "tree"), directly referring to its tree-like growth habit.
The species name barberae honours Mary Elizabeth Barber (1819-1899), a remarkable English-born South African naturalist, writer, painter, and plant collector, who discovered the plant in the Transkei region (now Eastern Cape).
The name Aloe bainesii was previously widely used, honouring Thomas Baines, another explorer, but it was later determined that Mary Barber's collection was described first by Dyer, thus giving precedence to barberae.
Historical aspects:
Aloidendron barberae holds historical significance as one of the first tree aloes described. It was discovered by Mary Elizabeth Barber and Thomas Baines independently in the mid-19th century. William Thiselton-Dyer initially named two separate species after them (Aloe barberae and Aloe bainesii), but later concluded they were the same, choosing barberae. This preference was overlooked for over a century, leading to widespread use of A. bainesii until the correct name was reinstated in 1994. Its reclassification into the new genus Aloidendron in 2013 highlights advances in plant taxonomy based on genetic studies. Its impressive size and rapid growth rate (for an aloe) have made it a popular specimen plant in botanical gardens and large landscapes globally.
Interesting facts:
This is a truly gigantic aloe, holding the record as the largest aloe species in Africa, often reaching impressive tree-like proportions.
Its branching pattern is unique for an aloe, often exhibiting "dichotomous" or forked branching, where each stem splits into two, creating a sculptural, candelabra-like silhouette as it matures.
While its flowers are not as intensely coloured as some other aloes, their pale pink to salmon hues are a delicate surprise against the large green leaves, and they are a magnet for sunbirds in winter.
It's a testament to its resilience, thriving in various subtropical habitats from coastal forests to dry valleys.
Growing tips:
Propagation: Best grown from fresh seed, which should be sown in a well-drained, sandy compost. Large stem cuttings or "truncheons" can also be rooted, but they need to be left to dry and callus for several weeks to months before planting to prevent rot.
Planting: Requires deep, well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with plenty of sand and grit to ensure good drainage. Choose a full sun position, ideally away from areas prone to severe frost. Give it ample space to grow, as its stem base can become massive.
Watering: Water regularly during the summer growing season, especially when young, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Reduce water in winter.
Frost Protection: Young plants are sensitive to frost and should be protected. Mature plants can tolerate light to moderate frost, but prolonged severe cold can cause damage.
Feeding: Feed sparingly with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, especially during its active growing season.
Maintenance: Remove spent flower stalks. The natural skirt of old, dry leaves around the trunk should generally be left intact as it offers protection.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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