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Aloe castanea is one of the larger shrubby or
tree-like aloes, growing to 12' or so, with a single stem that can become
branched in the upper portion. It has been called cat's tail aloe on
account of the curled and snake-like inflorescences. The long somewhat
narrow leaves are fleshy and smooth-surfaced and the margins are armed
with small sharp brown teeth. This species blooms from June to August,
producing clusters of small dark orange-brown flowers. Its flowers are
more open than with the tubular form of most other aloes, and thus its
nectar is more easily available to sugar-seeking birds and bees. As
with many other stemmed aloes, dead dried lives often cover the trunk
giving it an unkempt appearance. It is a native of South Africa, and
more specifically of what used to be called the Northern Province of
South Africa which is now called Limpopo..
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