Aloidendron barberae

Aloe barberae, or Aloe bainesii, is the most impressive species of the genus. Native to South Africa, this plant forms true trees with a massive trunk dividing into multiple branches. Each branch carries a rosette of long, slender leaves gracefully arched, giving it a very distinctive silhouette. In winter the plant produces long spikes of pink-orange flowers with a geometric shape. Sensitive to frost, it only grows in the most sheltered gardens of warm coastal reagions, in a sunny site. Outside of these privileged areas, it will be cultivated in pots and protected from frost during winter.

Now renamed Aloidendron barberae by botanists, this amazing plant now belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, which includes Aloaceae, Hemerocallidaceae, and Xanthorrhoeaceae. These are bulbous plants, with caudex (including trees), or succulents, all adaptations to their fairly arid natural environment. With only 6 or 7 species, the Aloidendron genus was separated in 2013 from the vast group of Aloes, which includes hundreds of species.

Aloidendron barberae is native to the southern part of the African continent (Mozambique and South Africa), where it grows in the bush and subtropical coastal forests. In its native habitat it reaches impressive dimensions, up to 15 or even 18 metres (60 feet) in height, with a tree-like morphology. It forms a massive trunk, measuring from 90 cm (35 in) to 2.50 m (8 ft) in diameter for the oldest specimens. The rough bark is grey and resembles elephant skin. The trunk divides into main axes, which further branch in a di- or trichotomous manner (2 or 3 branches), forming a more or less regular rounded crown. Each branch carries a rosette of dark green leaves, measuring 60 to 90 cm (24 - 35 in) in length. Only 7 to 9 cm (2.8 - 3.5 in) wide, they are very slender and curve downwards. Fleshy and leathery, they have a gutter-shaped duct and are bordered by small 2 to 3 mm (0.1 in) long teeth.

In winter, long inflorescences measuring from 40 to 60 cm (15 - 24 in) appear, either single or more often divided into 2 racemes, forming spikes measuring 20 to 30 cm (8 - 12 in) in length and 8 to 10 cm (3 - 4 in) in diameter. This highly geometric structure is particularly aesthetic, with dozens of tightly packed pink to orange flowers. Measuring approximately 3.5 cm (1.4 in) in length, they have a somewhat cylindrical shape, swollen at the base, with yellow-green stamens at the tip of the corolla. In Africa, pollination is carried out by passerine birds with a curved beak.

This sculptural plant has been successfully planted in mild Mediterranean climates where it benefits from both the heat and the summer sun, as well as mild winters. It is indeed only hardy down to -3°C (26.6 °F), possibly -5°C (23 °F) for well-established plants, which greatly limits the possibilities of planting it outdoors. Where this is possible it should be placed in full sun, in neutral to acidic, well-drained soil to avoid excess moisture in the soil, especially in winter. Although adapted to drought, it will grow better if it receives regular watering in summer. It can reach a height of 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) and a width of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 ft).

In other regions this Aloidendron can be planted in a large container and spend the summer outdoors in the sun. As winter approaches, ideally it should be brought indoors to a frost-free veranda, which will provide it with sufficient light during winter. However, it should be kept in mind that this plant has significant growth potential and may become difficult to move after a few years. An example of a species with more manageable dimensions includes Aloe arborescens.

With its characteristic silhouette, reminiscent of the famous Dragon Tree from the Canary Islands (Dracaena draco), Aloidendron barberae is an extraordinary plant. Its stunning design makes it suitable for contemporary gardens in warm areas, where it will be an exceptional focal point. It can also be the central element of an exotic scene, alongside other plants such as the Mexican Blue Palm (Brahea armata) with its magnificent fan-shaped leaves in a surprising grey-blue colour, as well as the numerous species of Opuntia capable of thriving in Mediterranean climates and forming impressive clumps. Yuccas, with their perfect rosettes of leaves and generous flowering, will also make good companions.