Common Name: large Chimanimani aloe
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asphodelaceae
Native Range: Mozambique, Zimbabe
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 9.00 to 15.00 feet
Spread: 4.00 to 8.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Orange
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Other: Thorns
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. Protect from strong winds. Hardy in Zones 9b(25°F)-11.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aloe munchii, commonly called large Chimanimani aloe, is a large, tree-type aloe endemic to the rocky grasslands, hillsides, and boulder fields of the Chimanimani Mountains of Zimbabwe and Mozambique at altitudes between 5,000-7,000'. Mature plants will reach up to 15' tall and 8' wide with an upright, sparsely branched growth habit. The stems are topped with a rosette of grey-green, succulent, lanceolate leaves that can reach up to 1.5' long and 3" wide. The leaf margins are tinged pink and lined with small, spine-like teeth. The 2' tall, upright, branched inflorescences bear stout, terminal racemes of tubular flowers. The flowers are orange and can reach 1.5" long. This plant blooms seasonally depending on rainfall and winter temperatures.
The genus name Aloe comes from the Arabic name of these perennial succulents.
The specific epithet munchii honors Raymond Charles Munch (1901-1985), a South African farmer, gardener, and plant collector who specialized in aloes and cycads.
The common name large Chimanimani aloe refers to both the large mature size of this species and its native range.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note. Overly moist or waterlogged soils will lead to root or crown rot. The top-heavy branches may snap in strong winds.
Uses
Specimen plant for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and rock gardens.