Aloe marlothii

Aloe marlothii (also known as the mountain aloe or the flat-flowered aloe) is a large, single-stemmed Southern African aloe of rocky places and open flat country, occasionally growing up to 6 metres (20 ft) tall.

Description

A succulent plant. It can grow to 4-6 m tall. It has a stout un-branched stem. The old leaves hang on the stem. The leaves are fleshy and form a dense rosette. They are grey green. There is a channel on the upper surface of the leaves. There are reddish brown spines on both surfaces of the leaves. There are teeth along the edges. The flower stalk has many branches. The strings of flowers are at an angle to the stalk. The flowers occur on the upper side of these horizontal stalks. The flowers are like a cylinder and are yellow or orange. The flowers are rich in nectar.

Edible Uses

The flowers can be sucked for their sweet nectar.

Traditional Uses

The nectar of the flowers is eaten especially by children. The leaf gel is used for drinks.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

A. marlothii is among the most frequently cited Aloe species in traditional medicine, alongside A. vera, A. ferox, A. arborescens, and A. perryi. A decoction of the leaves is taken with porridge to treat stomachache and intestinal worms, and the leaf pulp is rubbed on nipples to wean children. Burned dried leaves are mixed with snuff. The leaves have demonstrated strong in-vitro anthelminthic activity, and a root decoction is used to treat roundworm infestations. The distinctive constituents of the leaves are phenolic compounds, including chromone, anthraquinone, and anthrone derivatives — some shared across many Aloe species, others found in only a few. The leaf mesophyll is commonly applied to burns and wounds, including sunburned skin. According to Semenya and Maroyi (2018), traditional healers in Limpopo Province, South Africa have also used A. marlothii to treat tuberculosis, including chest pain and chronic cough.

Known Hazards

The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods, anthraquinones have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs. Long-term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in the development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential and tumorigenic potential.

Distribution

It grows in warm valleys and hill slopes in South Africa. It needs moderate moisture during hot weather and dry when cool. The soil needs to be well drained. It needs full sun. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Geelong Botanical Gardens. Wittunga Botanical Gardens. It suits plant hardiness zones 9-11.

Where It Grows

Africa, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

The native range of this species is SE. Botswana to Kwa. Zulu-Natal. It is a succulent that grows primarily in the desert or dry shrubland biome. A plant of drier areas. It is a plant of summer rainfall areas and naturally thrives under warm, wet summers and warm to cool, dry winters. The plant can tolerate at least light frosts. Requires a sunny position in well-drained soil. Established plants are very drought-tolerant. Aloe species follow the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants can fix carbon dioxide at night and photosynthesise with closed stomata during the day, thus minimising water loss. This, plus their succulent leaves, stems, and thick cuticle, makes them well-adapted to dry conditions. It occurs in the bushveld on stony, usually bare soils or rocky outcrops at 1,000-1,800 m altitudes. The copious floral nectar of Aloe marlothii is an important food source for many bird species. The flowers of winter-flowering species, such as A. marlothii, are especially vulnerable to frost damage during cold snaps in winter. Many single-stemmed aloes, such as A. ferox and A. marlothii, are protected from fire by persistent skirts of withered leaves around their stems. A. marlothii appears to be fire-adapted but prefers fire-free sites within its fire-prone habitat. Aloe ferox and A. marlothii often grow in dense stands and produce large inflorescences of brightly coloured flowers. Soil Texture: Prefers light (sandy) or medium soils. It can tolerate some clay if it is well-drained. Soil Moisture: Thrives in dry to moderately moist soils. It is very drought-tolerant but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil. Poor drainage can lead to root rot. Soil pH: Adaptable to various pH levels, including acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Saline Tolerance: Can tolerate some saline conditions, making it suitable for semi-coastal areas. Tolerance of Poor Soil: it thrives in nutrient-poor soils, particularly rocky or sandy environments. Light Requirements: full sun to succeed and develop its characteristic robust growth and flowering. Can tolerate semi-shade but with reduced vigour. Height: Can grow up to 3–6 meters (10–20 feet) tall, with a single thick, unbranched stem. Pollination: Pollinated primarily by birds (such as sunbirds and hummingbirds) attracted to its bright tubular flowers. Insects, including bees, also visit it. Temperature: Hardy to mild frost but thrives best in USDA zones 9–11. Frost protection is recommended in colder regions. Flowering: Produces striking orange-red to yellow flowers on densely flowered racemes in winter. Erosion Control: Often planted on slopes to prevent erosion due to its strong root system. Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases but can be affected by aphids or fungal diseases in humid conditions. Special Note: Its thick, fleshy leaves are covered with sharp spines on both sides, making it a deterrent to browsing animals. Aloe species are not self-fertile and often require cross-pollination with other plants for successful seed production. Aloe leaves can be harvested year-round, but mature leaves are generally harvested in late spring to summer when the plant is most vigorous for specific products like aloe vera gel. Aloe species typically flower in late winter to early spring, depending on the species and local climate conditions. Growth rates can vary among species, but generally, aloe plants are considered moderate to slow growers, with many species taking several years to reach maturity.

Propagation

Sow seed in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm, shady position in standard seed trays. Cover with a thin layer of sand (1–2 mm) and keep moist. Germination takes about three weeks. Seedlings can be moved into individual bags or containers as soon as they are large enough to handle.

Other Uses

Aloe marlothii functions as a drought-resistant ground cover useful for xeriscaping and erosion control, improving soil health and potentially supporting beneficial insects. Its tubular flowers are rich in nectar and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The flowers may also provide food for wildlife, and the plant's dense foliage offers some shelter for small animals. It does not produce significant leaf litter or reliable overwintering sites for invertebrates, and its scent is not known to confuse pests, though the sap may offer some deterrent effect.

Notes

There are about 350-400 Aloe species. Also put in the family Aloaceae. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Bergaalwyn, Mallothi, Mhanga

References (13)

• Andersohn, G., 1983, Cacti and Succulents. EP Publishing. p 281
• Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 38:87. 1905
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 135
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 143
• Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 256

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