Aloe excelsa - 3ga

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Aloe excelsa, commonly known as the Zimbabwe Aloe, is a tall, single-stemmed tree aloe that typically reaches 6.5–20 feet in height. It forms a compact crown of lance-shaped, dull green leaves at the top of a trunk covered with persistent dried leaf remains. The leaves spread outward before becoming strongly recurved and can reach about 39 inches long and 6 inches wide, with scattered prickles on the lower surface and reddish-brown triangular teeth along the margins. Native to Zimbabwe and scattered areas of Zambia, Botswana, and northeastern South Africa, it grows on granite outcrops, steep rocky slopes, and in open deciduous woodland at elevations of approximately 1,480–4,920 feet. It produces a tall, upright, candelabra-like inflorescence with up to six primary branches, sometimes with lower branches rebranching. The cylindrical racemes are densely packed with bright glossy red to reddish-orange tubular flowers, typically appearing from late winter through early spring. Aloe excelsa is closely related to Aloe ferox, Aloe marlothii, and Aloe rupestris, and the variety brevifolia differs in having narrower leaves, racemes, and flowers. In cultivation, it benefits from ample water during the warm growing season, excellent drainage, and a dry winter rest. It tolerates light frost but is best suited to warmer climates and gardens with sufficient room for a large specimen.

Sources:

• Carter et al. (2011), p. 687-688.