Aloe marlothii |
Asphodelaceae
A. berger
(Aloe spectabilis ) |
Aloe marlothii is not easily confused with other Aloes due to their distintly horizontal racemes, there is one exception and that is the Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii (formerly classified as Aloe spectabilis) specimens from KwaZulu-Natal look similiar, they can be distinguished from one another by the lack of spines on the Aloe ferox leaf surfaces.
Aloe marlothii used to be used commercially but due to them being chemically variable they are no longer used commercially. Aloe marlothii is used in folk medicine where it is ground up and mixed with snuff.
The specie name of 'marlothii' commemorates the famous botanist H.W. Rudolf Marloth.
Aloe marlothii has been granted tree status and it's national tree number in South Africa is 29.5. |
| Common Names: |
Mountain Aloe, Bergaalwyn, Boomaalwyn, umHlaba, imiHlaba (Zulu) and Kgopha (Sotho) |
| Status: |
Not Threatened. |
| Distribution: |
Aloe marlothii can be found from KwaZulu-Natal into Mocambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana. |
Description of Aloe marlothii: |
| Stem: |
Stems are solitary and may reach a height of up to 6 meters in height, the average specimen only reaches between 2m - 4m in height. The remains of dry peristen leaves are present on the stems. |
| Leaves: |
Leaves are a dull-green to greyish green colour. Leaf surfaces usually have red-brown spines present, leaf margins are armed with numerous reddish brown spines. |
Flower Description: |
| Inflorescence: |
Inflorescences are complex with as many as 30 racemes, racemes are horizontal with the exception of the KwaZulu-Natal form which has erect racemes. |
| Flower: |
Flowers are typically a bright orange-red colour but they may vary from red to yellow. |
| Flowering Time: |
Flowering occurs from May to September. |
Cultivation of Aloe marlothii: |
| Light: |
Full sun for the best results. |
| Watering: |
Careful watering throughout the year, drought resistent. |
| Frost Protection: |
Tolerates severe frost. |
| Notes: |
The Aloe marlothii below was photographed in Springbok in the Northern Cape of South Africa, the maximum and minimum temperatures vary in Sprinbok from scorching days of 40 degrees celsius in summer to -2 degrees celsius in winter. Therefore Aloe marlothii is quite heat resistent and drought-hardy it is also handles quite severe frost.
Springbok has a winter rainfall pattern and has an annual rainfall of 100mm.
Grow the plant in soil that is well draining to help prevent fungal diseases.
Post your tips and ideas at the forum. |
| Reference: |
Guide to the Aloes of Southern Africa . |
Picture: Aloe marlothii
Photographer: Deirdré Michael
Picture: Aloe marlothii flower
Photographer: Deirdré Michael
Picture: Aloe marlothii inflorescence
Photographer: Deirdré Michael
Picture: Aloe marlothii leaf
Photographer: Deirdré Michael
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