Aloe medusa versus Aloe barberae

[Stan]

I have a Medusa in Hayward that is identical to Kevins plants. About that height,trunk girth of the thinner trees. I can tell you-no mistaking for A.barbarea,in looks or hardiness. A."Medusa" is a much more cold hardy plant,not stressed at near freezing temps. I'm not sure why some say there is no difference-maybe they grow both well within their zones. Here in the bay area our knife edge z10 isnt as hot in summer (74-80f) and about 10f cooler winter nights-42-45f on average, than soucal.
And unlike the SF plant,mine does flower-I have posted pics on Daves Garden. Medusa also is more tolerant-as the SF plant proves- of light shade or lack of all day sun. A.barbarea needs SUN! My A. barbarea that is grown form a cutting stuck in the ground around 2000 is only 5' tall...but has picked up speed the last couple of years. I dont about all of you-but tree Aloes grow much faster on plenty of summer water. Hold back water and the growth for me has come to a standstill.

[amarguy]

Newly planted in front of a home in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego ... snapped on 12-13-09.

[Stan]

Looks like them to me. They have dense canopys compared to other tree Aloe's.
One warning-check the leaves petioles as ants tend to herd mealys in those tight areas close to the stem. Black soot is a tip-off. I just use a sharp spray of water. Or a better but harder alternate-somehow kill off the ants.

[cactusmcharris]

I thought y'all might wish an update on Ms. Desert Gardener's 'Medusa'.


DSC06538 by cactusmcharris, on Flickr

It's starting to go dichotomous, too!


DSC06539 by cactusmcharris, on Flickr