Aloe barteri Baker
Barter's aloe
Aloe barteri is the most widely distributed aloe in West Africa, found in savannas and rocky outcrops from Nigeria to Ivory Coast. Its rosettes of bright green leaves with white marginal teeth produce showy orange to orange-red tubular flowers in the dry season. It is a robust species well adapted to the rain and drought cycles of sub-Saharan Africa.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Medium to large rosette, short to moderate stem |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Sandy to lateritic nutrient-poor soil |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 40–60 cm long, bright green with whitish spots near the base, white marginal teeth 3–4 mm long.
ecoShort stem 15–30 cm in mature plants, clothed by dry leaves.
ecoTubular flowers 3–4 cm long, orange to orange-red, in simple or branched racemes on 60–90 cm peduncles. Flowering in the dry season (November–February).
ecoExtensive fibrous roots that explore crevices between granite and laterite outcrops.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy to lateritic nutrient-poor soil
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in sandy substrate at 25–28 °C with high ambient humidity.
- 2 Keep slightly moist under full indirect light.
- 3 Germinates in 2–4 weeks.
- 4 Transplant individually at 4–6 cm.
- 1 Separate offsets in the dry season with a sterile knife.
- 2 Allow wound to dry for 2 days in the open air.
- 3 Plant in sandy substrate and water only after the first week.
- 4 They root in 4–6 weeks at temperatures >20 °C.
Replicate the seasonal cycle: rainy season for growth, dry for rest.
Watering during the dry season more than it rains in the natural habitat.
Every 3 years or when roots outgrow the pot
Granular organic fertilizer, once a year at the start of the growing season
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Slightly toxic latex; leaf gel used topically in traditional medicine.
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"Named in honour of Charles Barter, a British naturalist who participated in the 1857 Niger River Expedition under Dr Baikie, during which he collected numerous plant specimens from West Africa."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.