Description

Bitter aloe forms a dense 2'-3' wide clump of muted, green leaves borne on a tall trunk eventually reaching 12' tall. It has thick, wide fleshy leaves edged with prominent reddish-brown teeth. Dried leaves persist on the plant and offer sunburn protection. In late winter or early spring, the plant produces 3' tall candelabra spikes of intense orange red or even yellow tubular flowers. It grows in full sun to part shade. It suffers in reflected heat in the low desert. It is a South African native.