Mountain Aloe
(Aloe marlothii)
Mountain Aloe (Aloe marlothii)
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Pamla J. Eisenberg from Anaheim, USA
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Pamla J. Eisenberg from Anaheim, USA
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Pamla J. Eisenberg from Anaheim, USA | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Aloe_Marlothii,Huntington_Desert_Garden.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aloe marlothii, commonly known as Mountain Aloe or Flat-flowered Aloe, is a large, single-stemmed succulent native to rocky outcrops and open, flat areas in South Africa and Swaziland. It can occasionally reach heights of up to 6 meters, making it one of the most impressive in the aloe genus. The robust head of stiff, grey-green leaves characterizes this species, with younger plants displaying more spines that reduce as the plant matures and becomes less vulnerable to grazing. The trunk remains covered by withered old leaves, which can add to its distinctive appearance. The inflorescence is a branched panicle with numerous racemes, and the flowers vary in color from yellow to orange (most common) to bright red, blooming through the winter months.
Mountain Aloe is valued for its architectural form and the striking appearance of its winter flowers. It is often used as a focal point in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and in large containers. It requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with very low water needs and well-drained soils. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to aloe rust, especially when grown in humid conditions. Due to its size and spiny leaves, it should be placed carefully to avoid injury to passersby.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Aloe is valued for its architectural form and the striking appearance of its winter flowers. It is often used as a focal point in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and in large containers. It requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with very low water needs and well-drained soils. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to aloe rust, especially when grown in humid conditions. Due to its size and spiny leaves, it should be placed carefully to avoid injury to passersby.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 8-10 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Orange, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Rocky outcrops and open, flat areas in South Africa and Swaziland
Other Names
Common Names: Transvaal Aloe, Mountain Aloe, Tree Aloe, Taggaloe
Scientific Names: , Aloe marlothii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Aloe marlothii A.Berger