Aloe marlothii A.Berger
Mountain Aloe
Mountain Aloe is one of South Africa's most imposing arborescent aloes, with a stout trunk topped by a large rosette of green to grey-green leaves covered in spines on all surfaces. Its striking horizontal inflorescences attract dozens of sunbird and sugarbird species and are an ecological landmark in the bushveld.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Solitary arborescent; single unbranched trunk mantled in persistent dead leaves. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). Abundant in savannas and rocky mid-altitude slopes. CITES Appendix II. |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Type | Sandy loam to clay-loam over granite or basalt; good drainage essential. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Massive leaves 100–150 cm long bearing stout brown spines on both surfaces and margins; colour ranges from deep green to blue-green. Spines on both surfaces are the most reliable diagnostic character separating it from A. ferox.
ecoSingle erect trunk 2–6 m tall and up to 50 cm diameter, densely clad in leaf bases and dead leaves that remain attached for years, providing habitat for lizards and insects.
ecoInflorescence with 20–30 nearly horizontal branches, dense racemes of tubular orange-red to yellow flowers; blooms May–July (Southern Hemisphere). A single inflorescence can attract more than 30 bird species in one day.
ecoFibrous root system, broadly spreading, adapted to shallow soils over rock. No storage tuberous roots form.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy loam to clay-loam over granite or basalt; good drainage essential.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Obtain fresh seeds from ripe capsules of A. marlothii (tree aloe up to 4 m with a solid trunk) or acquire from specialist collections
- 2 Sow in a mix of coarse sand and mineral soil without covering the seeds; moisten with a mister
- 3 Keep the seed tray at 22–28 °C in a bright spot; germination typically occurs in 2–5 weeks
- 4 Keep seedlings in semi-shade for the first month before gradually acclimating to full sun; it will take years to reach the characteristic 4 m height
- 1 A. marlothii produces offsets very infrequently and only on mature specimens with a developed trunk
- 2 If a basal offset with its own roots appears, separate it with a disinfected knife without damaging the mother trunk
- 3 Allow the cut to callous for 4–5 days in a ventilated, dry spot
- 4 Plant in mineral substrate with good drainage; first watering after 2–3 weeks
A. marlothii is an impressive mountain aloe; outdoors it can exceed 3–4 m with a robust trunk
Planting it in a confined space without anticipating its large adult size
Every 2–3 years when young; specimens in the ground do not need repotting.
Succulent fertilizer once in spring; no fertilizer in winter or during periods of extreme drought.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Latex may cause gastrointestinal irritation; mildly toxic to pets. CITES Appendix II.
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"A. marlothii produces inflorescences with such horizontal branches that ornithologists use them as observation posts for bird counts; studies in KwaZulu-Natal have recorded over 40 bird species visiting a single plant across one flowering season."
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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.