Aloe marlothii - Mountain aloe

Aloe marlothii, or Mountain Aloe, is a tree-like succulent plant adapted to dry climates and mild winters. Its robust trunk bears a dense rosette of thick, grey-green leaves, bristling with brown thorns. In winter, it produces tall, branched inflorescences with tubular flowers ranging from yellow to red. It is drought-resistant and requires very well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Its striking appearance will delight lovers of exotic plants. In regions colder and wetter than the Mediterranean coast, this species can be easily grown in a large pot and overwintered frost-free.

Aloe marlothii belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. This species is native to Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, and Eswatini, where it colonises rocky terrain and mountain slopes. It is characterised by a tree-like habit with a single stem reaching 2 to 4 metres in height, exceptionally up to 6 metres in the wild. When grown in pots, its growth is restricted due to limited space for the root system. Specimens in 3-litre pots typically measure between 70 and 80 cm tall. The leaves, arranged in a dense rosette at the top of the trunk, are fleshy, grey-green to blue-green and can grow up to 1.5 metres long and 25 cm wide. They are armed with brownish-red thorns along the margins and sporadically on the upper and lower surfaces. The flowering period, occurring mainly from November to March in our climate, features branched, candelabra-like inflorescences with up to 30 horizontal racemes. The tubular flowers, ranging from yellow to bright red, are rich in nectar. In cultivation, Aloe marlothii tolerates drought thanks to water reserves stored in its leaves and trunk. Its stump can withstand temperatures as low as -6°C briefly. Its growth is relatively slow, but once established, the plant requires minimal care. Due to the sharp thorns on the leaves, it is advisable to handle the plant with caution and place it in garden areas where accidental contact is minimal, especially in spaces frequented by children or pets.

Aloe marlothii thrives in large pots on patios or balconies, allowing it to be brought indoors in autumn to protect it from frost. It can be overwintered in a house or conservatory, in any bright and moderately heated space. This plant also flourishes in open ground along the Mediterranean coast or on sheltered Atlantic shores, in a rockery or well-drained slope, in a xerophilic-style bed. Its imposing stature and winter flowering provide vertical structure and notable seasonal interest. It pairs well with Agave americana, for example, whose rigid, bluish leaves contrast with the spiky foliage of the aloe. Senecio mandraliscae, with its creeping habit and grey-blue foliage, creates a groundcover that highlights the aloe’s height.

Traditional uses by local populations: the nectar from the flowers was consumed for its sweet taste, and the plant’s sap was used to treat various skin conditions and parasitic infections. Additionally, the thorny leaves were employed to scrape hides during the preparation of traditional clothing. These uses reflect the cultural and medicinal importance of this species within its natural range.

About Agaves and Aloes:
Aloes and agaves may look similar, but they belong to two different botanical families. The key distinction lies in the fact that aloe rosettes flower for many years, whereas the flowering of a mature agave rosette marks the end of its life. In some Aloe species, interfoliar buds give rise to new plants that cover the dried remains of the parent plant. In agaves, the central flower stalk develops from the terminal bud. In aloes, flower buds emerge between the leaves. Agaves are native to North America, while aloes are found exclusively in the southern half of Africa and nearby Indian Ocean islands.