Candelabra aloe (Aloe arborescens, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 3 (1768))

Family: Asphodelaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 3 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aloe

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Trop. & S. Africa

Description

The Candelabra Aloe, scientifically known as Aloe arborescens, is a striking succulent plant cherished for its distinctive, picturesque appearance and practical benefits. Described in the 8th edition of John Mill’s Gardener’s Dictionary (1768), this species is native to Southern Tropical and Southern Africa, thriving in arid and semi-arid climates.

Belonging to the Asphodelaceae family, the Candelabra Aloe showcases an impressive growth habit, typically forming dense, bushy clumps that can reach heights of up to 10 feet. Its name, “Candelabra,” aptly reflects the plant’s unique structure, with its multiple branches resembling the arms of a traditional candelabrum.

The leaves of the Aloe arborescens are elongated, narrow, and pointed, with serrated edges that display small, yet prominent teeth. These succulent leaves are not only visually striking with their rich, green hue, often tinged with red or orange in direct sunlight, but they also play a critical role in the plant’s survival, storing water to endure prolonged dry periods.

Flowering occurs primarily during the winter months, beautifying landscapes with the plant’s vibrant inflorescences. The flowers are tubular, typically red, orange, or yellow, and form large, cone-shaped clusters at the end of the stalks. These blooms are not only ornamental but also attract pollinators such as birds and bees, contributing to the ecological balance within their native habitats.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Candelabra Aloe is valued for its medicinal properties. Similar to the more widely known Aloe vera, Aloe arborescens is utilized in traditional medicine. Its leaves contain a gel-like substance renowned for its healing properties, effective in treating burns, wounds, and other skin ailments. Additionally, some cultures use it for its purported benefits in boosting the immune system and aiding digestion.

The plant is also relatively easy to cultivate, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil and can withstand periods of drought, making it ideal for xeriscaping. However, it is also versatile enough to be grown in pots and containers, making it accessible for individuals in varied climatic regions.

In landscaping, Aloe arborescens is often used for its dramatic effect, whether as a standalone specimen plant or as part of a succulent garden. Its robust nature also makes it suitable for use as a natural barrier or hedge, providing both beauty and functionality.

In summary, the Candelabra Aloe is a remarkable plant that combines striking visual elements with practical uses. Its rich history, ecological importance, and beneficial properties make it a noteworthy specimen in the diverse world of succulents.

Common Names

Fra: aloès candélabre, aloès arborescent
Eng: kidachi aloe, oldenland’s bush aloe, candelabra aloe, candelabra plant, candelabra-plant, krans aloe, krantz aloe, mountain bush aloe, octopus plant, octopus-plant, sword aloe, torch plant, torchplant, woody aloe
Spa: acíbar, aloe, aloé arborescente, atzavara, balsemera, pulpos, sávila, zabila, zabira
Por: aloe-candelabro, aloé-candelabro, aloé-dos-cem-anos, babosa, foguetes-de-natal
Afr: kransaalwyn
Swe: trädaloe
En: Candelabra aloe, Candelabra-plant, Octopus-plant, Torchplant, Kranz aloe, Mountain bush aloe, Krans aloe, Octopus Plant Aloe, Torch Plant Aloe, Kidachi aloe, Oldenland’s bush aloe, Candelabra plant, Krantz aloe, Octopus plant, Sword aloe, Torch plant, Woody aloe, Tree Aloe
Af: Kransaalwyn
Ar: ألوي اربورسنس
Az: Ağacşəkilli əzvay
Bg: Дървовидно алое
Ca: Àloe arborescent
Zh: 木立芦荟, 樹蘆薈
Fi: Rohtoaaloe
Fr: Aloé arborescente, Aloé candélabre, Aloès Candélabre, Aloès arborescent, Corne-de-bélier, Corne-de-cerf, Aloé arborescent, Aloé de Krantz
De: Aloe arborescens Blatter, Baumartige Aloe
He: אלווי עצי
Hu: Fásodó aloé
Ga: Aló aille
Ja: Isha-irazu
Lv: Kokveida alveja
Lt: Medėjantis alavijas
Fa: شاخ بزی
Pt: Aloe-candelabro, Aloé-candelabro, Aloé-dos-cem-anos, Babosa, Foguetes-de-natal
Ru: Алоэ древовидное, Aloe drevovidne, Stoletnik
Es: Acíbar, Aloe, Aloé arborescente, Atzavara, Balsemera, Pulpos, Sávila, Zabila, Zabira, Planta pulpo
Sv: Trädaloe
Zh-tw: 樹蘆薈
Zh-hant: 木立蘆薈
Tr: Testere bitkisi
Uk: Алое деревоподібне
Zu: Inkalane

Synonyms

• Aloe perfoliata var. natalensis ((J.M.Wood & M.S. Evans) A.Berger)
• Catevala arborescens ((Mill.) Medik.)
• Aloe perfoliata var. arborescens ((Mill.) Aiton)

Distribution

• Botswana (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Free State (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Sartorio Anderson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2021 by Thembinkosi Gomendo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2019 by Daniel Consani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by vetorboom Victorvetor (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Pedro Fevereiro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Fernando Mouta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2021 by Borruell Cris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2017 by Daniele Boggiani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2019 by zazamoukh (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Laetitia Ladouche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2019 by Rubio Claudia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2020 by Jan van den Nieuwendijk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by LunaGardens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2020 by buchignani Nadia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2020 by Jessica Heider (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2021 by Florent Chollet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2019 by Kapustin Ivan (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 29, 2019 by Turchetti Giovanni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Elizabeth Muñoz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Emie Lotus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2020 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Silvia Domínguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by pardal lucia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2020 by Fernandes Ana Rita (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Kayla Ross (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by mamutrini (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2777537)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:529214-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aloe arborescens Mill.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth