Eastern Tree Aloe

Eastern tree aloe is a large branching succulent tree with a thick trunk, a rounded crown and rosettes of long, curved green leaves. It bears pinkish tubular flowers. [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/529233-1) treats Aloe bainesii, the name printed in the county source, as a synonym of Aloidendron barberae. [SANBI](https://pza.sanbi.org/aloidendron-barberae) reports trees reaching about 15 m tall with substantial trunks. Provide ample space for the mature tree, a sunny, freely draining position and protection from frost, especially while young. Although succulent, it benefits from water and compost for good growth. It can be raised from seed, stem cuttings or larger truncheons. This is a tree for a spacious mild-climate site, rather than a small bedding aloe; eventual crown and trunk size matter when positioning it beside buildings. The [San Luis Obispo County January 2014 plant list](https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/planning-building/forms-documents/environmental-forms-and-documents/plants-information/county-approved-plant-list) explicitly names Aloe bainesii in its aloe notes and assigns F2. F2 identifies its most fire-retardant plants for the 30–70-foot band from a structure. This source-specific category is not a guarantee against burning. Its conditions include suitable soil moisture, avoiding crowding, removing dead material, separated planting groups and preventing ground-to-canopy fuel connections. Other regional assessments and growing suitability remain separate.