Plant id - Form of Aloe Ferox found in Kwazulu-Natal?

[juper]

Hi-

I was wondering if anyone could identify the following aloe:
Is this A. candelabrum?
Per plantzafrica, "A. candelabrum" has six to twelve branches and the flowers have their inner petals tipped with white."

Thx

[Quinton]

Hi,

Looks like Aloe ferox to me.
In the Transkei ( eastern cape next to Natal) one does encounter populations that are intermediate between "real" ferox and "real" candelabrum.

Regards
Quinton

[juper]

Thank you Quinton for taking the time to respond.

It would be great to see a population of these Aloes in their true habitat. I did a few google search to no avail. I was wondering if you could point me to a site or photos that capture these aloes in the Transkei region.
From what I was able to observe, the narrowness and the curving effect of the leaves of this type of Ferox is what sets them apart from the "real" Ferox. Is this accurate?

Best,
Zac

[Quinton]

Hi Zac,

People in SA have long heated debates about ferox vs candelabrum!! Personally I dont get too involved, prefer to stick to my hybrids, but thats just me!

In Reynolds Aloes of South Africa he explains clearly the difference between the two if you have access to this book. Reynolds states that candelabrum flowers always have white inner segment apices. He also states that candelabrum USUALLY has larger rosette, larger and longer more recurved leaves. More divaricately branched inflorescence and the terminal raceme usually noticeably longer and higher than the lateral plants. Your plant may probably be easier to asses when it flowers more strongly next season.

Alas I have no pictures of the transkei ferox/candelabrum intergrades. I did see them in habitat some years ago but did not have a camera. I think Maddy Lehmann may have posted some pics on the Yahoo Aloe group awhile ago.

Regards
Quinton

[juper]

Hi Quinton,

As a neophyte, it's so great to have access to this wealth of knowledge from experts across the globe! I, definitely, appreciate your contribution.
Thanks for clarifying the differences.

So long from Berkeley, ca

Zac