Trees Planet: Aloe Arborescens

General Information

Common Name	Candelabra Aloe, Krantz Aloe
Scientific Name	Aloe arborescens
Sun Tolerance	Full Sun
Height	2 – 3 m (6 - 8 ft)
Spread	1.2 – 1.8 m (4 - 6 ft
Growth Rate	Slow
Bloom Time	Spring
Color	Green
Flower Color	Red-Orange, Yellow
Type	Cactus & Succulents
Native	Africa

Classification

Kingdom	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class	Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Subclass	Liliidae
Order	Liliales
Family	Aloaceae – Aloe family
Genus	Aloe L. – aloe
Species	A. arborescens

Aloe Arborescens - Candelabra Aloe

Aloe arborescens commonly known as Candelabra Aloe also called Krantz Aloe the Afrikaans word "krantz", which means a rocky cliff. It is native to southern of Africa. Aloe arborescens is well known as Aloe Vera. It is usually found in mountainous areas where it favors exposed ridges and rocky outcrops. It is also found in dense bush. This is an evergreen slow growing plant. Aloe arborescens is a large multi-headed sprawling succulent, its specific name indicating that it sometimes reaches tree size that grows to 2 – 3 m (6 – 8 feet). Its leaves are succulent and are green with a slight blue tint. Its leaves are armed with small spikes along its edges and are arranged in rosettes situated at the end of branches. It blooms in spring. The flowers color is red, orange or yellow with cylindrical shape. All plant of this species is also relatively popular among gardeners and has recently been studied for possible medical uses. People cultivate it for aloe jells. Decoctions of the leaves are also used in childbirth and in treating sick calves. In the Transkei it is used for stomach ache and given to chickens to prevent them from getting sick.