Candelabra aloe, Tree aloe, Mountain bush aloe
Aloe arborescens

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

A mounding shrub. It forms clumps. It can be 2-3 m tall. The stems are 2-3 m long. The leaves are in crowded rinds at the ends of stems. The leaves are spreading and sword shaped. They are 50-60 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. They are dull green with pale teeth along the edge. The leaves taper to a long tip. They curve downwards. The flowering arrangement is upright or horizontal and usually un-branched. The flowers hang down.

There are about 360 Aloe species. They grow in the dry areas of Africa. Also put in the family Aloaceae. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best with well-drained soil and a partly shaded position. In Zimbabwe it grows between 1,050-2,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Canada, Canary Is., East Africa, Eswatini, France, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, Portugal, SE Asia, Slovenia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Tunisia, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The flowers are sucked for their sweet nectar. The leaf gel is used for drinks. The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Flowers - nectar, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. It can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Chitseyse, Drevesasta aloja, Iposo, Kranz aloe, Pohon aloe

Synonyms

Aloe perfoliata var. arborescens (Mill.) Aiton; Catevala arborescens (Mill.) Medik.;