We have always been impressed by the number of gardens in our town that sport beautifully tall and graceful looking tree aloes – at the time we purchased one for our garden these were called Aloe bainesii – and we planted one in our ‘secret garden’ next to the Natal fig. It grew quickly – they can reach up to 18 or 20m – and tall. What we didn’t realise at the time was how much more the fig tree branches would spread over time, swallowing up the tree aloe and rubbing off its leaves and branches every time a strong wind blows.
The Aloe bainesii became known as Aloe barberae and has now been reclassified as Aloidendron barberae. This tall tree of many names often branches about halfway up, forming an attractive crown. It is magnificent as is, yet becomes really spectacular when it flowers from about April through to June. This tree is growing in the back garden of a home not far from where we live.
These pinky-orange flowers produce copious nectar that attracts sunbirds and a variety of insects. The latter then attract insectivorous birds. Individual flowers grow up to 3,7cm long. When young, the flowers are initially erect but spread horizontally as they mature, which allows the insect pollinators to escape more easily.
We have now planted two sections of the original tree aloe, found on the ground, in another section of the garden where they will receive more sun, will not be decapitated in the wind, and should in time produce an abundance of flowers for us to enjoy.
Something Over Tea 
Spectacular is right! And what a lot of insect and birds they support. I can imagine all the fluttering and buzzing that go on around those flowers.
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In time we will be able to enjoy these flowers in our garden too – how’s that for faith in the future!
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Yes!
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It is a remarkable looking tree. Enjoyed by people, birds and insects alike!
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I am fortunate that I took these photographs when I did, for only two days later the main beauty of the flowers was already over.
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Good timing. The rambling roses I featured the other day have just about faded too 😏
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I can see why you want this beautiful tree. It looks Suessian to me. I have seen them only in pictures. I hope your starts take.
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Thank you, I do too. Both have remained green for the past few months so I remain hopeful 🙂
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A very attractive plant, I can imagine a mature one in bloom is spectacular.
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The photographs do not really do them justice, Eliza.
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They certainly are impressive plants, and I often catch myself marveling at the bigger specimens.
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Even the younger ones in flower look spectacular.
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The colours are amzing, Anne! Lovely photos.
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The colour is difficult to describe: the camera does not really do them justice.
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That’s an eye-catching tree, What lovely flowers!
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You can see why I would wish for one to grow in my garden 🙂
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I hope you get your wish! Or more precisely, are rewarded for your efforts. It is surely worth the work, full of glory as it is.
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This is going to take a long time, but will be well worth the wait.
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