Aloe baumii Engl. & Gilg
Baum's aloe
Aloe baumii is a medium stemless aloe characteristic of the miombo woodlands of East-Central Africa, particularly the Brachystegia forests of Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia. It grows mainly among rocky outcrops in soils derived from gneisses and granites. Its yellow to orange flowers brighten the understorey during the dry season.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Medium stemless rosette, solitary or in small clusters |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 5.5–6.5 |
| Type | Granitic sandy soil with slightly acidic pH |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 35–50 cm long, mid-green, with brown marginal teeth 2–3 mm and a slightly pronounced lower keel.
ecoPractically stemless; the rosette petiole emerges at ground level between rocks.
ecoTubular flowers 3 cm long, yellow-orange, in simple racemes on 50–70 cm peduncles. Flowering in the dry season.
ecoFibrous roots that penetrate between gneiss and granite crevices, tolerating very thin soils.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Granitic sandy soil with slightly acidic pH
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in granitic sandy mix at 22–26 °C.
- 2 Keep in partial shade and slightly moist.
- 3 Germinates in 3–5 weeks.
- 4 Transplant when 5 cm tall.
- 1 Extract the complete cluster from the pot or soil.
- 2 Divide with a sterilised knife separating each rosette with roots.
- 3 Plant individually in granitic substrate.
- 4 Keep in partial shade for the first 4 weeks.
Mimic the miombo canopy shade with a 30–40% shade cloth.
Placing in full sun without prior acclimatisation, causing leaf scorch.
Every 2–3 years in spring
Diluted organic liquid fertilizer (¼ dose), monthly during the growing season
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic if ingested; anthraquinones in the latex.
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"Described by Engler and Gilg in 1903 from collections by German explorer Moritz Baum made in the Congo River basin in present-day Zambia."
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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.