Aloe dichotoma's name has been derived from the dichotomous or forked branches. The common name, Quiver Tree or Kokerboom, has been derived from the traditional use of hollowing out stems to carry arrows by the San people.

Aloe dichotoma can also be distinguished from Aloe barberae by the latter having larger and greener deeply channeled leaves.

Although there are forms that resemble both Aloe pillansii and Aloe ramosissima one can distinguish between the species by leaf shape, as wthl A. pillansii, and with the presence of a trunk with A. ramosissima.

Juvenile plants have leaves that are ranked in vertical rows but rosettes gradually form this as the plants turn into mature specimens.