Aloe ballyi

Aloe ballyi Details

Aloe ballyi, commonly known as the Rat Aloe, is an unusual succulent. It produces a rosette of long and fleshy leaves atop a slender stem. The fleshy leaves are grey-green with small, white teeth along the margins. It gets its common name from the odour released from damaged leaves and stems which is akin to the smell of rats. Red-orange flowers are borne off long stems during summer. It can grow to 3 m or more tall and 80 cm wide, but is easily contained with trimming as necessary. It grows best on well-drained site in full sun, and tolerates extended dry periods, and light frost once established. Aloe ballyi makes for a great specimen and is commonly included in plantings for its structural form and unusualness. It is great for adding height and texture to a planting.