Description
Origin
The Aloe bainesii, also known as Aloe barberae, is native to South Africa. It is the largest species of aloe growing wild and is named after Mary Elizabeth Barber, a South African botanist and entomologist of British origin. This species is often found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Characteristics
The Aloe bainesii is distinguished by its size, reaching an adult height between 15 and 20 meters. This stem plant is characterized by its smooth green leaves, which can have a grayish hue. It has thorny edges and in winter, the plant produces red-orange flowers that appear in groups at the tips of the branches.
Care
With regard to care, Aloe bainesii prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is an extremely drought-tolerant plant which prefers to be watered during summer droughts. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. During pruning, care should be taken with the sharp edges of the leaves. Although the plant can tolerate some level of frost, it is recommended to protect it against extreme cold.
