Agaveville

Aloe castanea

Aloe castanea, the Cat Tail Aloe, is a distinctive species once it flowers, but until then it is somewhat difficult to identify. This is a low-growing, branching tree aloe (or a large shrub aloe), topping out around 8 feet tall normally (usually shorter) and with several branches. Leaves are usually bluish-green and generally upright with a slight curve inward and sharp, hooked yellowish teeth with brown tips. Flowers are unbranched and usually extend laterally nearly parallel to the ground, though some forms have nearly upright flower stalks. The flowers themselves all align along the upside of the rachis/peduncle slanting outward away from the plant. These flowers are brownish yellow and often visibly loaded with dark nectar. This plant is not a always a reliable flowerer and tends to need full sun to flower well (too much shade and flowers often do not matieralize for years). It is a pretty hardy plant though taking a tiny bit more cold than the average South African aloe.

Above are Aloe casteneas in a botanical garden showing typical shrubby pattern and color

Aloe castanea flower in winter
Aloe castanea in flower, Huntington Gardens

Close ups of typical laterally oriented Aloe castanea flowers

Some shots of more upright flowering versions of this species

younger plants

Aloe castanea (?) cultivated in greece. Flower (not branched) is the same as you show.

shots of my plant

mass production, Rancho Soledad Nursery

Cats are waggin their tails.