Aloe arborescens is belonging to Asphodelaceae family. There are about 580 species (including hybrids) in this genus, this one is one of the 130 Aloe species native to Southern Africa.

The name aloe is from the Greek alsos and refers to the bitter juice from the leaves of these plants. Greek name alsos is probably derived from the earlier Arabic word alloeh meaning bitter. The specific epithet arborescens means “tree-like”. As a matter of fact this aloe is not really tree like, but has stemmed forming habit. Its common name Krantz Aloe refers to the Afrikaans word “krantz”, which means a rocky cliff.

Aloe arborescens is endemic to the south eastern part of Southern Africa; South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Although Candelabra Aloe has adapted to many different habitats, naturally found in mountainous areas including rocky outcrops and exposed ridges.

Aloe arborescens is a large multi-headed sprawling succulent, can reach the height of 2–3 metres high. Striking grey-green leaves arranged in attractive rosettes. The leaf margins are armed with conspicuous pale teeth. The large colourful flower spikes are borne in profusion during the cold winter months. Flowers are arranged in a type of inflorescence called a raceme. The racemes are not branched but two to several can sprout from each rosette. Flowers are cylindrical in shape and are red or orange colour. There is also a yellow flowering variety. This aloe is easily propagated by seed or cuttings.

Candelabra Aloe grows fast, tolerate drought and neglect after established but can tolerate only moderate frost for few hours. It enjoys full sun, well-drained, compost-enriched soil.

Use in Landscape: Aloe arborescens is one of the most widely cultivated aloes in the world. It is grown mainly as an ornamental or as an accent plant, but is also an excellent and impenetrable hedge plant. It is valued by gardeners for its architectural qualities, its succulent grey-green leaves, large bright red or orange colour flowers and winter blooming. The sweet nectar attracts birds, butterflies and bees.

Well known Aloe vera has been used in medical treatment over 5000 years. Of the 580 varieties of the aloe plant, only 5 of them have healing power and Aloe arborescens is one of them (others: Aloe vera, Aloe saponaria, Aloe ferox and Aloe perry).