Aloe arborescens, also known as the “Ram’s Horn Aloe,” brightens landscapes with its distinctive shape and vibrant colours. Native to the arid regions of southern Africa, this hardy plant can grow to an impressive height of 2 to 3 metres. Its fleshy, serrated leaves, arranged in striking rosettes, create a dramatic silhouette, making it an ideal feature for botanical gardens such as Au Bois Vert in Ivato, near Antananarivo.
During winter, the aloe produces stunning red, orange, or yellow flower spikes. These tubular blossoms attract a wide range of pollinators, particularly birds and bees, thereby contributing to biodiversity. Unlike many other succulents, Aloe arborescens, or the Ram’s Horn Aloe, thrives in poor soils and withstands harsh climatic conditions. It flourishes in rocky, well-drained environments, whether in the wild or as part of carefully designed landscapes.
Visitors to the Jardin Botanique d’Au Bois Vert admire this plant not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its ecological significance. It helps prevent soil erosion and provides shelter for local wildlife. Many hotels, lodges, and restaurants in Antananarivo incorporate this resilient plant into their green spaces, enhancing their gardens while embracing sustainable practices. Both versatile and majestic, Ram’s Horn Aloe perfectly embodies the harmony between beauty and functionality in nature.
Plant use
Aloe arborescens is a plant with multiple uses, particularly in cosmetics, traditional medicine, and landscaping. The gel extracted from its leaves is widely recognised for its moisturising, soothing, and healing properties. In African local communities, this gel is used to treat burns, cuts, and insect bites. Furthermore, recent research has explored its potential as a natural antioxidant and immune system booster. From a culinary perspective, some cultures consume aloe extracts as a juice or dietary supplement, although Aloe arborescens is not as popular as Aloe vera in this regard. The plant also has an aesthetic appeal, thanks to its striking shape and vibrant flowers. It is often featured in botanical gardens, such as the one in Ivato, as well as in the green spaces of high-end lodges and restaurants in Antananarivo. Ecologically, Aloe arborescens helps retain water in the soil through its extensive root system. It plays a role in combating soil erosion in dry regions while attracting valuable local wildlife, which is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance. At Au Bois Vert, this plant is appreciated not only for its decorative appeal but also for its therapeutic benefits, enhancing the experience of visitors to the site.
Key information
| Common name | Ram's Horn Aloe |
| Scientific name | Aloe arborescens |
| Origin | Southern Africa |
| Natural habitat | Dry and rocky areas |
| Life cycle | Perennial plant |
| Flowering period | Winter |
