Aloe dichotoma Masson
Quiver tree
Aloe dichotoma, the majestic Kokerboom or quiver tree of the succulent Karoo, is one of the most iconic arborescent aloes in the world, reaching 7–9 m in height with a smooth, whitish trunk that branches dichotomously forming a characteristic spherical canopy. The San people used the hollow branches as quivers for storing their arrows, giving it its common name. Its dense yellow flowers attract nectarivorous birds and mammals in the austral winter.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Arborescent tree with dichotomous branching, 7–9 m |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Quartzitic sand or gravel, poor mineral soil |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Leaves 25–35 cm long, glaucous with whitish bloom reflecting intense sunlight; tiny marginal teeth 1–2 mm and acuminate apex.
ecoMain trunk up to 1 m in diameter at the base, smooth ivory-coloured bark, with characteristic dichotomous branching of the species.
ecoTubular flowers 3–4 cm long, bright yellow, in dense conical racemes at branch tips. Winter flowering (June–August).
ecoShallow and extensive roots covering a large area to capture water from scarce and sporadic Karoo rains.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Quartzitic sand or gravel, poor mineral soil
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in sand-fine gravel mix at 20–25 °C at the start of spring.
- 2 Keep substrate slightly moist with spray; never waterlog.
- 3 Germination in 2–5 weeks; seedlings grow very slowly.
- 4 Transplant carefully at 12 months into individual deep pots.
- 1 Cut a terminal branch 20–30 cm long with a clean saw in spring.
- 2 Allow the cut to callus for 2–4 weeks in a dry and warm environment.
- 3 Plant in coarse sand without watering for the first 3 weeks.
- 4 Rooting is slow and may take 3–6 months.
It is a very slow-growing tree; patience is essential — it may take 20 years to reach 1 m.
Over-watering thinking "a tree needs more water" — it is a semi-desert succulent.
Every 5–7 years; preferable to plant in open ground when possible
No regular fertilisation; one very diluted mineral dose in spring every 3 years
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic if ingested in large quantities; no serious risks on external contact.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A. dichotoma is experiencing a significant southward range contraction due to climate change; predictive models indicate that the optimal region for the species will shift several tens of kilometres poleward in coming decades, making it one of the most studied cases of climatic impact on succulent plants of southern Africa."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.