Fauna
Plant

Mountain Aloe

Aloe marlothii

Also known as Bergalwyn, Marloth's Aloe, Flat-flowered Aloe

Mountain aloes dominate rocky ridges across southern Africa, crowned by massive rosettes of succulent leaves studded with rigid, reddish-brown spines. Old dried leaves persist as a dense, protective skirt below the living crown, shielding the trunk against veld fires and hungry herbivores. During midwinter, towering candelabra-like flower spikes burst into brilliant shades of orange and red, drawing flocks of sunbirds and insects to feast on abundant nectar.

SucculentArborescentDrought-Tolerant
Mountain Aloe reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Chacma Baboon
  • Aloe Weevil
  • Greater Kudu
ThreatsIllegal harvesting for horticulture, habitat loss, severe wildfires
HabitatsRocky hillsides, bushveld, arid savannas, open grassland
Life span50 to 100+ years
Classification
  1. OrderAsparagales
  2. FamilyAsphodelaceae
  3. GenusAloe
  4. SpeciesAloe marlothii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; sharp leaf spines can puncture or scratch bare skin.
Why it is dangerous
Sap contains anthraquinone glycosides that induce vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs and cats if chewed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a tall solitary trunk skirted by dried foliage and broad blue-green leaves lined with reddish spines.
What to do
Wear sturdy gloves to avoid punctures when clearing debris, and keep domestic pets away from fallen leaf fragments.
Responsible observation
  • Winter viewing: Visit rocky hillsides during June and July when bright blossoms attract dozens of sunbirds.
  • Spine safety: Keep clear of the rosette perimeter to avoid catching clothes or skin on stiff spines.
  • Cultivation tip: Plant in gritty, well-draining soil under full sun to prevent root rot and leaf pests.
Related species
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