#aloidendron

Aloe tongaensis (Aloidendron tongaense)

This is one of a group of related tree aloes that have recently been assigned to a split-off genus named Aloidendron. This name change has yet to gain wide acceptance, and most nurseries, gardens and books have it labeled as Aloe tongaensis. The name refers to Tongaland, an area in the northeast corner of South Africa and the adjacent southern end of Mocambique. It does not experience freezes in its habitat, so we are growing it under the high canopy of a tree at the Ruth Bancroft Garden, since this gives it a measure of cold protection. The shady position also results in pale flowers, and I have included a second flower shot showing the more vivid orange color of the same plant when grown in full sun in the milder climate zone near San Francisco Bay. Ultimately, this species becomes a many-headed tree with a height of up to 26 feet (8 m).

Wow, 430 followers! Thanks for the support guys. Here's some 'Aloidendron dichotomum' seedlings also known as 'Quiver tree' or the 'Kokerboom' in Afrikaans. I'll be posting more soon when I get home. Haven't been home for almost a month now, so I must say, quite excited to see what my plants are up to.

Aloe ramosissima (Aloidendron ramosissimum)

Like Aloe tongaensis, this is one of the tree-like branching species of Aloe recently moved into the genus Aloidendron. Not everybody accepts this re-classification, but it is the reason for the 2 names given above. This species is very close to the larger-growing Aloe dichotoma (Aloidendron dichotomum), with the same blimp-shaped vivid yellow flowers. As one can see from the photos, it has been raining around here! This species is found in southwestern Namibia and northwestern South Africa.

Aloe ramosissima

Aloe ramosissima, which is native to the northwestern corner of South Africa, is essentially just a small form of Aloe dichotoma, so its recognition as a separate species is dubious. In any case, its bright yellow flowers in late autumn to early winter are a wonderful sight. The plant pictured was grown from seed about 25 years ago. Note that a new genus, Aloidendron, has recently been created for the branching tree aloes, and under this naming system our plant would be called Aloidendron ramosissimum (or Aloidendron dichotomum, if one agrees that these two species are not sufficiently different).

Aloe ‘Hercules’

Aloe ‘Hercules’ is a hybrid between two tree aloes, Aloe barberae and Aloe dichotoma. Recently, these branching tree aloes have been put into a new genus Aloidendron, but this name has not yet achieved widespread usage. Aloe (or Aloidendron) barberae comes from eastern South Africa, and has little cold tolerance, so it does not do well in winter at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. Aloe dichotoma (which has its name changed to Aloidendron dichotomum under the new naming system) is from the opposite side of South Africa, and it can also be tricky to grow here in Walnut Creek. Happily, the hybrid between the 2 seems to be tougher than either parent. The flowers are quite high off the ground, so I used an orchard ladder to photograph them, and while I was doing so a hummingbird flew up and landed on a leaf right alongside the flowers (see lower photo). The natural pollinators of many aloes are nectar-loving sunbirds, which are not present in California, but our hummingbirds are happy to step in and harvest the nectar instead.

Aloidendron dichotomum

Quiver Tree, Kokerboom

Formerly in the aloe family.