Aloes that have been placed into this group have a single main stem that may be branched near the top.
The stem is terminated in a large rosette that is made up of numerous large leaves, there may obviously be more rosettes if the main stem is branched. There is usually dried leaves present on the trunk.
Aloes in this group may be found throughout South Africa.
Flowers of the Single Stemmed Aloes are spectacular due to racemes that are quite large and densely packed with flowers.
Left: Aloe ferox in cultivation.
Species in the Stemless Aloe Group
* Good for the Garden
Aloe africana * - The specie name 'africana' means 'from Africa' and it refers to the plants habitat. Aloe africana is commonly known as 'Uitenhaagsaalwyn' in Afrikaans or Uitenhage Aloe in english . Aloe africana is well suited for gardens that is free from frost.
Aloe alooides * - This plant was initially believed to be an Urginia specie that resembled an Aloe from which the specie name has been derived. The specie name 'alooides' means 'aloe like'. The common name is 'Graskopaalwyn' which means 'Grass Head Aloe' when translated. Aloe alooides grows well in gardens in a warm with well-draining soil.
Aloe angelica - The common names are Wylliesport Aloe or Wylliespoortaalwyn. Aloe angelica does not grow well in areas where frost occurs.
Aloe comosa * - The specie name 'comosa' means 'bearing a tuft of leaves' and it refers to rosette on the solitary stem. Common names are 'Clanwilliamaalwyn' or 'Clanwilliam Aloe'. Aloe comosa grows well in cultivation as long as it is well protected from frost.
Aloe excelsa * - 'Excelsa' means 'high' or 'lofty'. Grows well in gardens that are frost free. Common names are 'Zimbabwe-aalwyn' or 'Zimbabwe Aloe'.
Aloe ferox * - Perhaps the most important Aloe medicinally, Aloe ferox's sap has been used as a purgative for many years. The specie name 'ferox' means verocious and it refers to the sharp thorns on the leaves. Aloe ferox grows well in cultivation and is a common Aloe to be found in many gardens.
Aloe lineata * - The specie name 'lineata' means 'marked with parallel' lines and it refers to the fine lines present on the leaves. Aloe lineata is well-suited for garden cultivation, although it does require protection against severe frost.
Aloe littoralis * - Common names for Aloe littoralis includes; 'Mopanie-aalwyn, Mopane Aloe, Bergaalwyn which means Mountain Aloe. 'Littoralis' means 'growing on the sea shore' and it refers to the original habitat where it was found in Angola. Aloe littoralis grows well in cultivation.
Aloe marlothii* - The specie name 'marlothii' commemorates the famous botanist, H.W. Rudolf Marloth. Common names include Mountain Aloe, Bergaalwyn, Boomaalwyn, umHlaba, imiHlaba (Zulu) and Kgopha (Sotho). Aloe marlothii is perfect for garden cultivation as it is both attractive Aloe and quite hardy.
Aloe pluridens * - The specie name 'pluridens' means 'many teeth' and it refers to numerous marginal teeth. Common names are French Aloe or 'Fraansaalwyn'. Aloe pluridens does well in gardens but frost protection is required.
Aloe pretoriensis * - The specie name 'pretoriensis' means from Pretoria and it refers to the distribution. Aloe pretoriensis does well in frost free gardens.
Aloe rupestris * - Common names are 'Kraalaalwyn' in Afrikaans and 'umHlabanzi' or 'uPhondonde' in Zulu. The specie name 'rupestris' means growing in rocky places and refers to,its habitat. Aloe rupestris grows well in cultivation, provided it has frost protection.
Aloe speciosa * - The specie name 'speciosa' means 'showy' and refers to the beautiful flowers. Coomon names include Tilt-head Aloe, Slaphoringaalwyn, Spaanaalwyn. Aloe speciosa is well suited for garden cultivation, even in areas with moderate frost.
Aloe thraskii* - This aloe is named after someone with the surname of thrask. Grows well in gardens especially in coastal areas. Common names include Strand Aloe (Strandaalwyn) or Dune Aloe.
Aloe vryheidensis * - The specie name 'vryheidensis' is derived from a small town in northern KwaZulu-Natal by the name of Vryheid. Aloe vryheidensis does well in the garden.
