Aloidendron
barberae, formerly Aloe barberae, also known as the tree aloe, is a
species of succulent plant in the genus Aloidendron. It is native to
South Africa northwards to Mozambique. In its native climes this
slow-growing tree can reach up to 18 m (54 ft) high and
0.9 m (3 ft) in stem diameter. Aloidendron barberae is
Africa's largest aloe-like plant. The tree aloe is often used as an
ornamental plant. Its tubular flowers are rose pink (green-tipped);
it flowers in winter and in its natural environment is pollinated by
sunbirds.
Aloidendron
barberae was first collected and submitted for classification by Mary
Elizabeth Barber, who was a plant collector in the former Transkei.
She sent specimens of the plant and its flowers to the Royal Botanic
Gardens at Kew, where in 1874 it was named by William Turner
Thiselton-Dyer (1843–1928) in her honor. Subsequently, it was also
found in KwaZulu-Natal by the well known traveller, explorer and
painter Thomas Baines in 1873. He also sent a specimen to Kew, where
it was named Aloe bainesii. Although known as A. bainseii for many
years, Aloe barberae was the name first given to this plant, and
takes precedence according to the International Code of Botanical
Nomenclature, and so is the epithet used in the combination
Aloidendron barberae.
The
tree aloe's habitat is subtropical coastal forests, kloofs (ravines)
and dry valleys in the eastern regions of southern Africa.
Aloidendron barberae is widely distributed from the Eastern Cape
through the former Transkei, KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga;
and northwards to Mozambique and East Africa.
SOWING
ADVICES:
Aloe
seeds generally sprout quite easily. You need the proper medium and
situation for better success. A half and half mixture of peat and
horticultural sand makes an excellent, well-draining medium. You can
also use a combination of the sand, sterile compost and perlite. The
idea when growing aloe from seed is to provide loose material that
won’t get soggy and is not prone to pathogens or weeds. Any
container will do, but flats use less soil and create a controlled
environment for seedlings. Lightly dampen the medium and spread the
seed about an inch apart. Cover them with a light dusting of the
sand. If you are in a warm climate, you can grow the seeds outdoors.
The rest of us will need to start them indoors with the addition of
bottom heat of some kind. Keep the medium moderately moist either way
in bright light and where temperatures are ideally 75 degrees
Fahrenheit (23 C.).