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Aloe marlothii - A.Berger

Common Name Mountain Aloe
Family Asphodelaceae
USDA hardiness 9-11
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[299]. 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[299].
Habitats Stony, usually bare soils, often the dominant species, at elevations from 1,000 - 1,200 metres[308]. Savanna, Rocky areas (e.g. inland cliffs, mountain peaks) [1-8].
Range Southern Africa - Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, S. Africa.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Tender Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Aloe marlothii Mountain Aloe


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Aloe marlothii Mountain Aloe
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Summary

Mountain Aloe (Aloe marlothii) flowers are sucked for their sweet nectar. IT is one of medicine's most frequently cited species, with A. vera, A. ferox, A. arborescens and A. perryi. Aloe species can be used as a drought-resistant ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health. They may also provide habitat for beneficial insects.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Aloe marlothii is an evergreen Perennial growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Birds, Insects, Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. marlothii subsp. marlothii. A. marlothii subsp. orientalis Glen & D.S.Hardy. [2-5]

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

The flowers are sucked for their sweet nectar[301].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


A. marlothii is one of medicine's most frequently cited species, with A. vera, A. ferox, A. arborescens and A. perryi [1-8]. A leaf decoction is taken with porridge to treat stomachache and intestinal worms[299]. The leaf pulp is rubbed on nipples to wean children[299]. The burned dried leaves are mixed with snuff[299]. The leaves show strong in-vitro anthelminthic activity[299]. A root decoction is used for treating roundworm infestations[295[. The distinctive constituents of aloe leaves are phenolic compounds, including chromone, anthraquinone, and anthrone derivatives. Some compounds are found in many species, whereas others occur in only a few[299]. The leaf mesophyll is commonly applied to burns and wounds, such as sunburned skin [1-8]. According to Semenya and Maroyi (2018), A. marlothii has also been used by traditional healers to treat tuberculosis (chest pain and chronic cough) in Limpopo Province, South Africa [1-8].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Aloe species can be used as a drought-resistant ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health. They may also provide habitat for beneficial insects. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Aloe species produce tubular flowers rich in nectar, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): While Aloe plants are primarily known for their medicinal properties and edible gel, they can provide food for some wildlife. The flowers are edible and may attract pollinators. Aloe’s dense foliage can offer some shelter for small animals. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Aloe species do not typically provide significant overwintering sites for invertebrates, nor do they produce leaf litter in a way that contributes to ground cover or shelter. Pest Confuser (Smell): Aloe species do not have a strong scent that is known to confuse pests, although their presence may help deter some pests due to their sap.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

The native range of this species is SE. Botswana to KwaZulu-Natal. It is a succulent that grows primarily in the desert or dry shrubland biome [2-5]. 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[295]. The plant can tolerate at least light frosts[295]. Requires a sunny position in well-drained soil[423]. Established plants are very drought-tolerant [295]. 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[299]. 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 [1-8]. 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.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - easily propagated, sow the seed in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm, shady position in standard seed trays. Germination takes about three weeks. Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand (1 - 2mm), keep moist. The seedlings can be planted out in individual bags or containers as soon as they are large enough to handle[295].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Mountain aloe, Flat-flowered aloe, Flat flowered aloe

Native Range

Native to: Botswana, KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique, Northern Provinces, Swaziland. [2-5]

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

None Known

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Least Concern.

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Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Aloe arborescensCandelabra Aloe, Tree Aloe, Mountain Bush AloeShrub3.0 10-11 MLMSNDM253
Aloe camperiAloeShrub0.8 9-12 MLMSND041
Aloe feroxCape Aloe, Bitter Aloe, Red Aloe, Cape Aloe, Alligator Jaw AloeShrub3.0 9-11 SLMND253
Aloe macrosiphonTanzanian AloePerennial0.5 9-11 SLMSND041
Aloe maculataSoap AloePerennial0.6 8-12 MLMHSNDM222
Aloe perryiPerry's AloePerennial0.3 10-12 SLMND041
Aloe veraAloe Vera, Barbados aloe, First Aid Plant, Medicinal AloePerennial0.8 9-11 SLMNDM153
Aquilaria malaccensisAgar Wood, Eaglewood, Indian Aloewood, AloeswoodTree20.0 10-12 SLMHSNM133
Hesperaloe funiferaNew Mexico false yuccaPerennial1.8 6-9 SLMNDM002
Hesperaloe nocturna Perennial1.8 6-9 SLMNDM002
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

A.Berger

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

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