Family: Crassulaceae
Author: (L.) Webb & Berthel.
Bibliography: Hist. Nat. Iles Canaries 3(2; 1): 185 (1840)
Year: 1840
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Aeonium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Canary Is., SW. Morocco
Description
Tree aenium, with its scientific name Aeonium arboreum, is a notable succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae family. This distinctive plant is indigenous to the Canary Islands and the southwestern regions of Morocco. It was first documented in historical botanical literature in 1840 in “Histoire Naturelle des Îles Canaries” (Hist. Nat. Iles Canaries), specifically in volume 3, part 2, page 185.
Aeonium arboreum is characterized by its striking rosette form, with thick, fleshy leaves that create a visually appealing and architectural structure. These leaves are often a deep green to purplish hue, with some varieties exhibiting striking variegations. The plant can grow into a bush-like formation, reaching up to several feet in height, and is sometimes referred to as the tree houseleek due to its tree-like appearance.
In its native habitats of the Canary Islands and southwest Morocco, Aeonium arboreum thrives in rocky and arid conditions, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant. This allows the plant to be a resilient choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. It adapts well to similar environments outside its native range, provided it is planted in well-draining soil and receives plenty of sunlight.
The flowering phase of Aeonium arboreum is particularly spectacular. During spring to early summer, it produces tall, conical clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are usually yellow, but can occasionally be white or pink. These blooms attract a variety of insects, aiding in the plant’s pollination process.
Cultivating Aeonium arboreum is relatively straightforward. Gardeners should ensure they avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and should allow the soil to dry out between waterings. In colder climates, the plant should be protected from frost or grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter.
In addition to its ornamental uses, Aeonium arboreum is valued for its minimal cultivation needs and striking appearance, making it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts and gardeners looking to add a touch of the exotic to their plant collections.
Common Names
Eng: tree aenium, tree aeonium
Spa: aeonium, rosa verde, saiao
Por: aeonium-negro, ensaião, saião
Swe: trädtaklök
En: Tree aenium, Tree aeonium
Pt: Aeonium-negro, Ensaião, Saião
Es: Aeonium, Rosa verde, Saiao
Sv: Trädtaklök
Synonyms
- Sempervivum arboreum (L.)
Distribution
- Canary Is. (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Algeria (introduced)
- Baleares (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- East Aegean Is. (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Greece (introduced)
- Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Sardegna (introduced)
- Sicilia (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Tunisia (introduced)
Additional Images
© 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.
Flower
Taken Jun 25, 2019 by Rodrigues Carina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by Benjamin van der Voorn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Quirino (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2019 by norbert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2019 by David Davies (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2019 by Jung Julia (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2019 by Bruno Pancrazi (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 16, 2019 by Satish (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2021 by Soraya Franco angulo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 7, 2022 by Silvia Fahmy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 15, 2021 by Verx Kallisti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2019 by Mortadela Manny (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2019 by Mortadela Manny (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2019 by GonCas Pame (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Jacques Viljoen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2021 by Carlos Duque (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 12, 2021 by Allison Belcher (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2020 by gaiamannino (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Daniel von Heyden (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 14, 2021 by Asar manuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Gérard DUFLOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2021 by bhasmapriya (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Gimeno Graciela (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2020 by fatemeh hosienzadeh (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2985682)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:272194-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aeonium arboreum Webb & Berthel.)
