Aloe plicatilis (Fan Aloe) - An interesting succulent shrub with gray colored stems that terminate with a fan-like cluster arrangement of the bluish-gray round tipped leaves. Old plants are typically 3-6 feet tall but others in cultivation have been noted to 8 feet. Plants from the wilds of the high rainfall areas of western Cape Mountains of South Africa are reportedly as tall as 15 feet. Each leaf cluster bears one erect 12" tall unbranched inflorescence bearing an open terminal cluster of tubular orange red flowers in late winter to early spring. Plant in the sun, but away from the hottest afternoon sun and water occasionally during summer months. Hardy to about 23 degrees F. Old leaves drop cleanly away to exposed the attractive smooth trunk. Needs winter and spring irrigation if grown where does not receive adequate water from rainfall.