Aloe africana - 5ga

No shipping - pickup only Aloe africana is a dramatic single-stemmed succulent native to South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, reaching up to 13 feet in height. Its long, gracefully curving gray-green leaves and distinctive orange and yellow flowers make it a striking focal point in the landscape. The plant typically grows a single, unbranched trunk, with leaves up to 2 feet long that curve downward and can take on purplish or pinkish hues in dry conditions. The older leaves form a protective skirt around the trunk. Aloe africana flowers in winter, producing tall spires of red-orange buds that turn yellow as they open. The tubular flowers have a unique "ski-jump" upward curve, making identification easy. This aloe thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and requires minimal watering once established. Although it originates from a frost-free habitat, it can tolerate brief cold spells down to 25°F. Native to the coastal bushveld areas of South Africa, Aloe africana often hybridizes with nearby species like Aloe ferox and Aloe speciosa. Its impressive upward-turned flowers and gracefully recurved leaves make it an ideal choice for water-wise gardens in mild coastal climates.