Mountain Aloe (Aloe marlothii): Majestic Single-Stemmed Tree Aloe

Overview

Mountain Aloe (Aloe marlothii) is a magnificent, single-stemmed tree aloe from southern Africa. A massive, unbranched trunk (up to 10+ feet) supports a dense rosette of broad, gray-green, recurved leaves armed with sharp, reddish-brown spines on margins and surfaces. The dried leaves persist, forming a "skirt." In winter, a spectacular, multi-branched panicle (up to 30 branches) bears orange-red to yellow flowers, attracting sunbirds. A dominant feature in savanna landscapes. Drought-tolerant and fire-resistant.

Key Features

• Trunk: Single, massive, unbranched; up to 10+ ft; persistent leaf skirt.
• Leaves: Broad, gray-green, recurved; spines on margins and surfaces.
• Flowers: Orange-red to yellow; huge, branched panicle; winter.
• Ecology: Fire-resistant; bird-pollinated.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun.

Water

Low. Drought-tolerant. Winter rainfall pattern.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy.

Hardiness

USDA zones 9–11. Frost damages leaves.

Taxonomy

Family:	Aloaceae
Genus:	Aloe (AL-oh)
Species:	marlothii (mar-LOTH-ee-eye)
Synonym:	Aloe marlothii var. marlothii