Scientific Name
Aloe excelsa A.Berger
Common Name(s)
Noble Aloe, Zimbabwe Aloe, Zimbabwe Tree Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe excelsa var. excelsa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
The native range of Aloe excelsa extends from around Mulanje Mountain in Malawi, through Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, to Limpopo in South Africa. It grows on rocky outcrops and hillsides.
Description
Aloe excelsa is a succulent tree with a simple stem and fleshy, deeply channeled leaves arranged in a compact rosette at the top of the stem. The stem can grow up to 20 feet (6 m) tall, with the lowest part clothed in withered leaf remains. The leaves are dull green, often tinged with red, without spots, and have deltoid, reddish-brown teeth along the margins. They are lance-shaped, spreading, becoming recurved, measuring up to 3.3 feet (1 m) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width. The young plants have scattered prickles, mainly on the lower surface of the leaves. However, prickles disappear as the plants mature, becoming less vulnerable to grazing.
The flowers are scarlet to reddish-orange and appear in inflorescences with up to branches, each with a densely flowered raceme. They can reach a length of 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) and a diameter of 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). The cylindrical racemes can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter.
Aloe excelsa is frequently confused with its relatives, Aloe ferox and Aloe africana, due to their similar appearance when fully grown. However, the flowers differ; the racemes of Aloe excelsa are shorter and slightly curved compared to those of the other two species.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloe is a very forgiving plant. However, as with all succulents, Aloe must never be allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.
These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. However, repot Aloes that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing in the spring. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball is a viable option. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
Aloe plants need intense, bright light. They can withstand full summer sun once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. It prefers warmer temperatures of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) but will survive down to 40°F (4.5°C). Feed with a succulent fertilizer only in the summer. Suspend feeding in the winter as the plant goes dormant.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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