Aloe plicatilis (L.) Mill. Bergaalwyn or Fan Aloe This tree-like succulent is a native of South Africa in the Cape from Tulbagh to Stellenbosch, where it grows on rocky mountain slopes. The stems are repeatedly forked. The stiff, greyish, strap-shaped leaves are around 30cm (1ft) long and 4cm (1 ½in) wide, almost flat, spineless, and carried in two ranks, a feature which distinguishes this from most other common species of Aloe. The red stalked flowers, around 5cm (2in) long, are borne in a simple inflorescence, which appears from spring to early summer in South Africa, and from late winter to early spring in the Mediterranean and California.
Cultivation Does well in sandy soil in a hot sunny place. Survives in climates that are cool in summer.
Height to 5m (16ft); spread to 6m (20ft). USZ 10–11, surviving -1°C (30°F) of overnight frost. Tolerant of summer drought.