Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe) Aloidendron barberae
Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe) (Aloidendron barberae) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Asphodelaceae family, native to Coastal forest and thicket of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mozambique. It grows 6–15 m (20–49 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
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Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 6–15 m (20–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 417–626 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Coastal forest and thicket of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mozambique |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: yellow latex under the leaf skin
Aloe latex (anthraquinones such as aloin) is a strong laxative: it causes vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. The clear inner gel is much milder.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe)
- How far apart should I plant Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe)?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe) flower?
- About 417–626 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Aloe latex (anthraquinones such as aloin) is a strong laxative: it causes vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. The clear inner gel is much milder.
- What grows well with Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tree aloe (Barber’s aloe). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- The tallest aloe: a stout grey trunk branching again and again into a rounded crown of leaf rosettes, with rose-pink flowers in winter. Fast for an aloe and a striking specimen tree in frost-free gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
- Red hot poker Kniphofia uvaria
- Aloe vera Aloe vera
- New Zealand flax Phormium tenax
- Quiver tree (kokerboom) Aloidendron dichotomum
- Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) Aloe ferox
- Grass tree (balga) Xanthorrhoea preissii
- Blue flax lily (paroo lily) Dianella caerulea