Aloe marlothiiThe Aloe marlothii is an unbranched tree Aloe, and it can grow to 10 feet tall. Known as the Flat-Flowered Aloe because when it grows the flower stalk, it forms horizontal branches from which widely spaced flowers hang. It blooms in mid-winter, and the flowers are a dark orange.
This specimen did not bloom last year, so I’m hoping it will produce some flowers this winter. I’ve kept it on the patio, but it can take full sun, even in Phoenix. However, it needs frost protection, so I keep it in a pot rather than plant it in my garden. This plant is a summer grower and needs regular water during the hot months. It’s dormant in winter, so I keep it dry starting in November.
The brown spines on this Aloe appear on the leaf margins as well as here and there on the leaf. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern to the spines. The leaves are quite thick, and the plant is surprisingly heavy for its size. This Aloe species is also called the Mountain Aloe, as well as Bergaalwyn.
5 comments:
Hi,
It's so interesting to see different types of aloe. Does this one have a therapeutic pulp as well? Aloe Vera is a big thing in our culture. People eat chunks of the pulp (YUCK! So bitter but so good for you apparently) and I know from experience that is works very well for burns. I have used it for both cooking burns and sunburn.
Thanks for introducing me to a new variety.
Sharon
I like the looks of this one...the green shade, and fat, chunky leaves makes it look friendly and heart warming...more than stickly leaved varieties of Aloe!
Julie,
This one has the sharpest little spines--probably less friendly than others!
I have one of these, although I don't think it will grow to 10 feet. It spends the summers outside and doesn't seem to grow very fast here.
I'm not big on Aloe but that is a pretty handsome plant.
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