The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

Common name: Black-spined Aloe

Family: Asphodelaceae (Asphodel)

Distribution: NE Ethiopia, NW Somalia

Habitat: Rocky slopes, sandy terrains in open bushland, 1,100-1,850 m

Life form: Succulent tree

Description: 50-200 cm tall plant; ascending, at the base branching stems, clothed in dead leaves; 60-80 dull light green to bluish-green, lanceolate-attenuate, channelled, recurved leaves; pinkish-brown, outstanding 5-6 mm long toothed margins; 50-100 cm high, yellow, orange or scarlet coloured inflorescence with 6-10 spreading, upwards curving branches. - The plant's name "megalacantha": "megas" Greek for "great" and "acantha", Greek for "prickle" refers to the distinguishing feature of the large margins.