Mountain aloe, Flat-flowered aloe
Aloe marlothii

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant. It can grow to 4-6 m tall. It has a stout un-branched stem. The old leaves hang on the stem. The leaves are fleshy and form a dense rosette. They are grey green. There is a channel on the upper surface of the leaves. There are reddish brown spines on both surfaces of the leaves. There are teeth along the edges. The flower stalk has many branches. The strings of flowers are at an angle to the stalk. The flowers occur on the upper side of these horizontal stalks. The flowers are like a cylinder and are yellow or orange. The flowers are rich in nectar.

There are about 350-400 Aloe species. Also put in the family Aloaceae. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in warm valleys and hill slopes in South Africa. It needs moderate moisture during hot weather and dry when cool. The soil needs to be well drained. It needs full sun. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Geelong Botanical Gardens. Wittunga Botanical Gardens. It suits plant hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The nectar of the flowers is eaten especially by children. The leaf gel is used for drinks.

Edible parts

Nectar, leaves - potash

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bergaalwyn, Mallothi, Mhanga

Synonyms

Aloe spectabilis;