Common Name: Yemen tree aloe
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asphodelaceae
Native Range: Arabian Peninsula
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 8.00 to 10.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Coral-red
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in dry, sandy to rocky loams in full sun. Provide supplemental irrigation during the summer growing season for the fastest growth and best appearance. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering. Greatly reduce watering during the winter dormant period. Hardy in Zones 9b(25°F)-11.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aloe sabaea, commonly called Yemen tree aloe, is a small, tree-type aloe endemic to Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia where it grows on open, rocky slopes and cliffsides. Mature plants can reach up to 10' tall with a slender, unbranched, upright to slightly curved stem topped with a 3' wide rosette of drooping, succulent foliage. The light green, lanceolate leaves can reach up to 2.5' long and and 4.5" wide. The leaf margins are lined with small, white teeth. The 2.5' tall, branched inflorescences bear loose racemes of coral-red, 1" long, tubular flowers and bloom seasonally.
The genus name Aloe comes from the Arabic name of these perennial succulents.
The specific epithet sabaea refers to Sheba (also called Saba), an ancient kingdom located in the southern portion of the Arabian Peninsula.
The common name Yemen tree aloe refers to part of the native range of this species.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note. Overly moist or waterlogged soils will lead to root rot.
Uses
Specimen plant for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and rock gardens.