Broadleaf aloe (Aloe maculata, Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 13 (1773))

Family: Asphodelaceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 13 (1773)

Year: 1773

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aloe

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. Africa

Description

The Broadleaf Aloe, scientifically known as Aloe maculata, is a striking member of the Asphodelaceae family. This resilient plant is native to South Africa, flourishing in its unique climate and environment. Aloe maculata is widely recognized for its distinctive broad, spotted leaves, which set it apart from other species within the Aloe genus.

This aloe variety thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal water, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens. Broadleaf Aloe is also known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that range in color from red to orange and bloom on tall inflorescences, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and birds.

Not only is Aloe maculata valued for its ornamental appeal, but it also possesses notable medicinal properties, akin to its relative, Aloe vera. The gel extracted from its leaves can be used to soothe minor burns, skin irritations, and insect bites.

In cultivation, Broadleaf Aloe is appreciated for its adaptability and hardiness. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, and it is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as a striking accent plant. Despite its robust nature, it is important to provide adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

Aloe maculata is a superb example of a plant that combines aesthetic appeal with practical benefits, making it a versatile addition to any garden or landscape. With proper care, this resilient aloe will continue to display its bold foliage and dazzling flowers, providing year-round interest and utility.

Common Names

Por: aloe-sabão, babosa
Spa: atzavara, balsemera, curalotodo, pitzabila, áloe
Eng: broad-leaved aloe, broadleaf aloe, common soap aloe, soap aloe, white spotted aloe, zabila
Swe: såpaloe
En: Broadleaf aloe, Soap aloe, Blotched aloe, Broad-leaved aloe, Common soap aloe, White spotted aloe, Zabila, Zebra Aloe
Af: Bontaalwyn
Az: Xallı əzvay
Ca: Àloe maculat
Zh: 皂芦荟
Fi: Suopa-aaloe
Fr: Aloès maculé
He: (אלווי מקולטה (א. סבוני, (אלווי מקולטה )א. סבוני
Pt: Aloe-sabão, Babosa
Es: Atzavara, Balsemera, Curalotodo, Pitzabila, Áloe
Sv: Såpaloe
Zh-tw: 明鱗錦, 皂蘆薈
Zh-hant: 皁蘆薈
Tr: Benekli sarısabır

Synonyms

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Free State (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by Daria Vonbee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Mirko calusic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Marc Emonet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2019 by Alfredo Tuto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2018 by Jennifer Pineda (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 20, 2020 by hernandez astrid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Fresquita Palangana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2017 by Sabine Slembrouck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2019 by Lopez Carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2018 by La Talaia García (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 18, 2021 by Dorrien Venables (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2021 by agilob (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by taiel vazquez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2017 by Sabine Slembrouck (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by JM F (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Pasi Laine (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2021 by Sanchez Cesar (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Poza Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Elora Delobelle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Daniel Delannoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Suzanne Suzanne Kathryn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by yael cortes gonzales (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 17, 2022 by Arrais Rachid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2020 by Marcelo Villena Rojas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2019 by Lo Russo María Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by nany (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2021 by Frank Does (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2777430)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77122815-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aloe maculata All.)

Specifications

Growth