Botanical name |
Aloe dichotoma |
Other names |
Quiver tree, kokerboom (Afrikaans) |
Family |
Asphodelaceae |
Dimensions |
A tree aloe, can be over 4 m in height |
Description of stem |
Characteristic multiple branching higher up (as opposed to A. ramosissima where the branching starts low down); forms a rounded crown of rosettes; the bark is yellow to light-brown, displaying scattered smooth and scaly patches with marked edges |
Description of leaves |
Blue-green, recurving and smooth leaves, about 5 cm wide at the base; small teeth on the distinctly paler or yellow edges |
Description of flowers |
Yellow flowers on branched panicles with the pistil and stamens protruding from the perianth |
Description of seed/fruit |
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Description of roots |
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Variation |
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Propagation and cultivation |
Many transplanted specimens die when planted outside the range of conditions of the natural environment, adding to the survival risk of this plant; the seed propagate easily and respond readily in well-drained soil |
Tolerances |
Extreme temperatures (below 0°C and up to over 40°C) and low rainfall, (less than 125 mm p.a.), characterise much of the natural distribution area, giving an indication of where it will grow well; does not tolerate too much water or frost |
Uses |
Common name derived from ancient use of the stem as a container for the arrows of hunters from the San tribes |
Ecological rarity |
Popular and threatened |
Pests and diseases |
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Other |
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Location |
Rocky, arid areas, usually sandy soil |
Distribution (SA provinces) |
Northern Cape |
Country |
South Africa, Namibia |