One of the most spectacular plants from South Africa, in exuberant bloom at this time of the year, is Aloe arborescens. It can be seen throughout the Monterey Bay area, occasionally having spread into impressively large clusters of plants.
The specific name means “tree-like,” because the plant can grow to close to 10 feet high. Structurally, the plant consists of several branches, each of which ends in a rosette of leaves edged with small spikes. Each rosette can generate several flower stalks that produce cylindrical inflorescences (racemes). The individual flowers, typically a bright orange-red, are tubular and attractive to hummingbirds. The clusters of flowers resemble the flame of a torch, leading to the plant’s common name: Torch Aloe.
Several years ago, I planted my first specimen of this succulent plant, a single rosette, in a well-drained bed. It grew rapidly and extended runners (stolons) that produced new plants, ready to take over the bed. Not knowing its full growth potential, but realizing it was too productive for that small bed, I shovel-pruned it, replanted three rosettes in front of a nearby compost bin and placed most of the rest in the bin.
The replanted rosettes grew readily into a dramatic presence in my garden, and also shielded the compost bin from view.
A. arborescens is related to A. vera, a smaller, more familiar South African native that is popular for its ornamental, cosmetic and medicinal values; its juices reportedly have rejuvenating, healing or soothing properties.
The Torch Aloe also reportedly has value in promoting good health. Some people advocate a drink made from pureed whole raw A. arborescens leaf, unheated raw honey and 1 percent certified organic alcohol. This drink is claimed to support immunity from a range of diseases and provide general cleansing for the whole body. It is reported to be “bitter, but unctuous and savory as well, thanks to the honey.”
I have plenty of leaves, but have not tried the drink. This is not a testimonial.
A. arborescens is one of about 500 species of the genus Aloe, which includes natives of South Africa, tropical Africa, Madagascar, Jordan, the Arabian Peninsula and some islands in the Indian Ocean. Many grow well in the summer-dry climate of the Monterey Bay area. Most species, unlike A. arborescens, are stemless: the rosettes grow directly on the ground.
A smaller, yellow-flowered variant, called Golden Torch Aloe (A. arborescens lutea), can be found in limited numbers.
Another yellow-flowered form, Yellow Aloe, was discovered in a private garden in Santa Barbara. This plant might be a variant of A. arborescens, a hybrid with another species or an entirely different species: A. mutabilis, which has red flower buds that mature into yellow.
A. arborescens can be an attractive and interesting addition to a landscape that has sufficient space.
Tom Karwin is president of the Friends of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, president of the Monterey Bay Area Cactus and Succulent Society, and a Lifetime UC Master Gardener (Certified 1999–2009). Visit ongardening.com for more information, and send comments or questions to gardening@karwin.com.
