Krantz aloe

Aloe arborescens

"Aloe arborescens" is a species of flowering succulent perennial plant that belongs to the "Aloe" genus, which it shares with the well known and studied "Aloe vera". This species is also relatively popular among gardeners and has recently been studied for possible medical uses.
Candelabra Aloe Aloe arborescens,Australia,Geotagged,Krantz aloe,Winter

Appearance

"Aloe arborescens" is a large multi-headed sprawling succulent, its specific name indicating that it sometimes reaches tree size.

This species 2–3 metres high. 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.

Flowers are arranged in a type of inflorescence called a raceme. The racemes are not branched but two to several can sprout from each rosette. Flowers are cylindrical in shape and are a vibrant red/orange color.
Aloe arborescens in bloom Compared to Aloe vera, Aloe arborescens has thinner leaves, with a thicker external cuticle, containing more antrachinonic elements, which have strong anti-viral, antimicrobial and laxative effects. The ligneous trunk and the scarce amount of water in the leaf make this plant particularly resistant, even in case of less favorable weather conditions. A lower quantity of gel means lower convenience for the producers, and this is the reason why Aloe arborescens‘ cultivation is still less common than Aloe Vera’s. The most recent international bibliography, however, proves that its phytotherapic properties are with no doubt superior, and that’s why we tend to prefer it for our products. Aloe arborescens,Geotagged,Spring,United States

Naming

Taxonomically, it forms part of the "Arborescentes" series of very closely related "Aloe" species, together with "Aloe pluridens" and "Aloe mutabilis".

The specific epithet "arborescens" means "tree-like".
Kranz Aloe - Aloe arborescens A common garden plant which escaped and can now be found along coastal areas of South Australia. Aloe arborescens,Australia,Eamw flora,Geotagged,Krantz aloe,Winter

Distribution

"Aloe arborescens" is endemic to the south eastern part of Southern Africa. Specifically, this range includes the countries of South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It has the third largest distribution amongst the aloe genus.

Although "Aloe arborescens" has adapted to many different habitats, its natural habitat usually consists of mountainous areas including rocky outcrops and exposed ridges. Its common name "krantz aloe" refers to the Afrikaans word ""krantz"", which means a rocky cliff. Its habitat can vary and is one of only a few species of aloe that is found growing from sea level up to the tops of mountains.

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassMonocots
OrderAsparagales
FamilyAsphodelaceae
GenusAloe
SpeciesA. arborescens
Photographed in
Australia
Cabo Verde
United States of America
Venezuela