Scientific Name
Aloidendron tongaense (van Jaarsv.) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm.
Common Name(s)
Tonga Tree Aloe, Mozambique Tree Aloe, Medusa
Synonym(s)
Aloe tongaensis, Aloidendron tongaensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "tongaense" (pronounced "ton-gah-EN-see") means "of or from Tonga" and refers to Amatongaland, also known as Tongaland, a historical, independent kingdom of the Tsonga people, located in the far north of what would become the Natal colony, bordered on the west by the Lebombo Mountains.
Origin
Aloidendron tongaense is found only in the Sand Forest in Tongaland at Kosi Bay in northern KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, and in the adjacent territory of Mozambique. It grows scattered in sandy soil.
Description
Aloidendron tongaense, formerly known as Aloe tongaensis, is a succulent tree with an erect, stout trunk, dichotomously branched stems, and dull green leaves arranged in rosettes at the branch tips, forming a rounded crown. It can grow up to 26 feet (8 m) tall, while the trunk can reach a diameter of 2.6 feet (80 cm) at the base. The branches lack persistent dried leaves and have grey bark. The leaves are spreading to recurved, sword-shaped with marginal teeth, and deeply channeled, measuring up to 24 inches (60 cm) long and 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) wide.
The inflorescence is branched and can reach 14 inches (35 cm) tall and 4 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The flowers are yellowish-orange, cylindrical, and curved, and appear mainly in fall, arranged in a compact head on an erect, up to 6-branched inflorescence that can reach 14 inches (35 cm) tall. They can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter.
Cultivars of Aloidendron tongaense
How to Grow and Care for Aloidendron tongaense
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Aloes are very forgiving plants. 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. In the spring, repot Aloes that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, it is possible to divide the root ball carefully. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
Aloe plants need intense sunlight. Once acclimated, they can withstand full summer sun. In the winter, provide bright light. It prefers warmer temperatures of 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) but will survive down to 40 °F (4.5 °C). Feed with a succulent fertilizer only in summer. Suspend feeding during winter, when the plant is dormant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Links
- Back to genus Aloidendron
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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