Aloe barberae
| Tree aloe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| This specimen is about three metres high (note the bench at the base of the plant). | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Aloe |
| Species: | A. barberae |
| Binomial name | |
| Aloe barberae Dyer | |
Aloe barberae (syn. Aloe bainesii), also known as the tree aloe, is a species of aloe native to South Africa northwards to Mozambique. In its native climes this slow-growing tree can reach up to 18 m (54 ft) high and 0.9 m (3 ft) in stem diameter. Aloe barberae is Africa's largest aloe. The tree aloe is often used as an ornamental plant. Its tubular flowers are rose pink (green-tipped); it flowers in winter and in its natural environment is pollinated by sunbirds.[1]
Naming
Aloe barberae was first collected and submitted for classification by Mary Elizabeth Barber, who was a plant collector in the former Transkei. She sent specimens of the plant and its flowers to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, where in 1874 it was named by William Turner Thiselton-Dyer (1843–1928) in her honor. Subsequently, it was also found in KwaZulu-Natal by the well known traveller, explorer and painter Thomas Baines in 1873. He also sent a specimen to Kew, where it was named Aloe bainesii. Although known as A. bainseii for many years, Aloe barberae was the name first given to this plant, and takes precedence according to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.[1]
Distribution
The tree aloe's habitat is subtropical coastal forests, kloofs (ravines) and dry valleys in the eastern regions of southern Africa. Aloe barberae is widely distributed from the Eastern Cape through the former Transkei, KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga; and northwards to Mozambique and East Africa.[1]
Growing Aloe barberae
Aloe barberae forms a striking focal point in the garden, being an enormous sculptural tree with a neat crown.
It is easily propagated, especially by cuttings (truncheons) which should be left to dry for a week or two before planting. It prefers well-drained soil, especially on a slope, and can tolerate some shade when small. It should not be planted in between buildings or in spots where its roots will be constrained, as its trunk and roots need to expand and spread.
Hybrids and cultivars
Several hybrid varieties have been created between this species and its relative Aloe dichotoma (the Quiver Tree) and, more rarely, with other Aloe species. These all tend to be more short and compact than pure A. barberae. Some of the more popular hybrids include:
- 'Hercules' (A. barberae × dichotoma), the most common hybrid, with golden-grey trunk, and compact grey leaves.
- 'Rex' (A. barberae × dichotoma), a fast-growing cultivar developed in Swellendam, which has a grey trunk, and more slender grey-green leaves with pink teeth. Seed parent is dichotoma.
- 'Goliath' (A. barberae × vaombe), a very fast-growing top-heavy hybrid, with a slender trunk and an enormous head of massive rubbery dark-green leaves.
- 'Nick Deinhart' (A. barberae × speciosa), a new hybrid using A. barberae pollen, with glaucous blue foliage.
- 'Medusa' (=Aloe tongaensis). This is often considered a cultivar, but is in fact the natural Mozambican form of A. barberae.
Pictures
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The flowers are pink in small racemes.
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Its massive size can cause one to forget that aloes are not true trees.
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A young Aloe barberae, Kirstenbosch
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Grove of tree aloes, with blue Agave attenuata, Huntington Desert Garden
References
External links
Media related to Aloe barberae at Wikimedia Commons- BBC Gardening: Aloe bainesii
- "Aloe barberae". Plantz Afrika. Archived from the original on 6 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-04.