Tree Aloe, Boomaalwyn - Aloe barberae

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Aloe barberae. Picture courtesy Gareth BedfordAloe barberae. Picture courtesy Gareth Bedford Description, History & Interesting Facts:

The tree aloe is the tallest of the South African aloes and can reach 15 to 18m. It is found in a broad coastal band; that is slightly inland, from East London in the Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga into southern and central Mozambique. Its habitat is subtropical coastal forests, kloofs and well-drained river valleys, where the summer rainfall is at least 1 016 to 1 524 mm per annum, with little or no frost. 

It is a striking sculptural plant that grows quickly and forms a neat, rounded crown of dark green leaves that can be over a meter long and are armed with small white teeth. It forms a stout trunk that can eventually grow over 2,5m in diameter and usually has a broad 'foot' at ground level. The flowers appear in mid-winter and vary in colour from orange to salmon pink, depending on the locality. The flowers are relatively small compared to the size of the leaves and are often hidden by them.

In the Garden:

This fast growing tree aloe is used for its architectural shape and thrives in cultivation. It makes an excellent focal point in the garden and is great to plant in bold clumps in both garden and office parks. It is perfect in rock and pebble gardens and grows well in large pots.

It has a shallow-spreading, non-aggressive root system but enough space should be provided for its eventual size, especially its massive stem base, and therefore should not be planted close to any buildings.

The flowers are pollinated by sunbirds and will also attract bees and other insects, which in turn, attract insect eating birds.

Cultivation/Propagation:

The tree aloe is easy to grow in gardens as long as it is planted in full sun and in very well-drained soil. Incorrect watering and waterlogged soil can lead to attacks by pest and diseases.

It is not very hardy to frost but will tolerate light frost if it is planted in a protected place, covered for the first few years and kept on the dry side in winter.

This aloe will tolerate drought but will grow faster and flower better if watered moderately during dry spells. In the wild it grows in loamy, humus rich soils, so plant it with added compost and mulch yearly.

This plant is easily propagated from stem cuttings or truncheons, which are allowed to dry for a couple of days before being planted  out. Propagation from seed is reasonably easy, but the plants will take longer to reach maturity.

 Problems, Pests & Diseases:

 Click here to read an in-depth article on the problems, pests & diseases which affect Aloes

Additional Info

  • Common Name: Tree Aloe, Boomaalwyn
  • Latin Name: Aloe barberae