Rare tree aloe from Somalia that many be mistaken for Aloe barberae (aka bainsei)... leaves and habit look vaguely similar but this tree ...Read Morebranches erratically while Aloe barberae seems to branch dichotomously and with more order. Flowers also differ in being branched on stalks (like another similar aloe, Aloe tongaensis) and only the flower itself only 3-4" tall (about 1/4 that of barberae) and brilliant red (instead of orange to peach). Though still rare (2011) sometimes one can get hold of seed and there are multiple plants in cultivation throughout Southern California (though I have not come across one yet).
Rare tree aloe from Somalia that many be mistaken for Aloe barberae (aka bainsei)... leaves and habit look vaguely similar but this tree ...Read More