Giant Tree Aloe (Aloe barberae): Majestic African Tree Aloe

Overview

The Giant Tree Aloe (Aloe barberae, syn. A. bainesii) is Africa's largest aloe, forming a massive, branching tree up to 50–60 feet tall with a thick, sculptural trunk. Rosettes of long, curved, deep green leaves with small marginal teeth crown each branch. In winter, tall spikes of tubular rose-pink flowers attract sunbirds and bees. Native to coastal forests of South Africa and Mozambique, it makes a breathtaking focal point in frost-free Mediterranean and subtropical gardens. Fast-growing for a tree aloe.

Key Features

• Form: Tree-like, branching; massive gray trunk; 20–50+ ft tall.
• Leaves: Long, recurved, deep green; small teeth on margins.
• Flowers: Rose-pink, tubular, in dense racemes; winter.
• Growth: Relatively fast for a tree aloe.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun to light shade.

Water

Moderate when growing; drought-tolerant once established. Good drainage vital.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy loam. Tolerates poor soil.

Hardiness

USDA zones 9b–11. Frost damages leaves; hard freeze kills.

Taxonomy

Family:	Aloaceae
Genus:	Aloe (AL-oh)
Species:	barberae (BAR-ber-ay)
Synonym:	Aloe bainesii