Means “goddess” in ancient Sanskrit, for its reputed use as a beauty aid; some sources suggest that the name comes from Alloeh, meaning “shining bitter substance”
This hearty aloe grows to 12-18′ (3.7-5.5 m) in height. It is a South African native.
Identification: This large aloe has a single stem, and
is 6½-13′ (2-4 m) tall. Leaves are gray-green to bluish-green, up to 5′ (1.5 m) ×
10″ (25 cm) in size, broader than those of many aloes and tapering to a sharp tip.
Maroon-colored teeth with orange tips occur along the leaf margins, and the leaf surfaces
have spines. The brilliant flower clusters, varying
from yellow to orange or bright red, are its standout feature.
A variant,
Aloe spectabilis, is no longer considered a distinct species.
Photo by Pamla J. Eisenberg, taken at the Huntington Library Desert Garden.
Edibility: Poisonous. Some parts of this plant are toxic.