Aloidendron dichotomum?

[RandyK]

Hello, 

I have bought seed as A. dichotomum 2 years back or more, I was pretty convinced this was the case but now it looks like the trunk is already branching this low.  I don't know much in determination of succulents, stand alone tree aloes,  aside from the low branching habit and the smaller/thinner/flatter appearing leaves of A. ramosissimum, is there any way to tell it apart already? 

I think it is not really clear in the pictures but it is branching from the main stem, the main stem is continuing upward though. There are 2 or maybe 3 shoots starting to form from there.
Really curious, thanks! 

 

Edited October 28, 2022 by RandyK

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, RandyK said:

Hello, 

I have bought seed as A. dichotomum 2 years back or more, I was pretty convinced this was the case but now it looks like the trunk is already branching this low.  I don't know much in determination of succulents, stand alone tree aloes,  aside from the low branching habit and the smaller/thinner/flatter appearing leaves of A. ramosissimum, is there any way to tell it apart already? 

I think it is not really clear in the pictures but it is branching from the main stem, the main stem is continuing upward though. There are 2 or maybe 3 shoots starting to form from there.
Really curious, thanks! 

 

RandyK, welcome to the forum..

Can see A. dichotomum, though Looking at the leaves, and how it is trying to branch at that height ..at lest compared to other A.d's. i've seen of similar size,  i myself would question purity, and can see it being a cross w/ A. ramosissimum ..or another sp. On the other hand, this plant could be an example of the randomness of seedling plants.. As they grow, some look exactly like the parent, while others show some variability ..even though they're still legit copies of the species.  Some other members here who have longer term experiences growing both should have additional, valuable insight to contribute to the discussion.

Nice specimen regardless.

[Tracy]

29 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

RandyK, welcome to the forum..

Can see A. dichotomum, though Looking at the leaves, and how it is trying to branch at that height ..at lest compared to other A.d's. i've seen of similar size,  i myself would question purity, and can see it being a cross w/ A. ramosissimum ..or another sp. On the other hand, this plant could be an example of the randomness of seedling plants.. As they grow, some look exactly like the parent, while others show some variability ..even though they're still legit copies of the species.  Some other members here who have longer term experiences growing both should have additional, valuable insight to contribute to the discussion.

Nice specimen regardless.

Agree with Nathan on this wholeheartedly.  I have a couple of Aloidendron acquired as A ramosissimum that are looking much more like dichotomum as they get larger, and one that is clearly A. ramosissimum.  All three were acquired from the same source and all marked the same, although the later two that are either A dichotomum or a hybrid, were acquired at a later time.  If it is a hybrid, I would be leaning toward ramosissimum x dichotomum (or reverse parentage) by the appearance at this stage.  At the size yours is, it is still really hard to distinguish between them, but it won't be long before you start seeing the true colors based on my experience with their growth here in coastal San Diego County. 

Whichever species or hybrid, you can't go wrong, just different space requirements when planting in the ground at some future date.  You can compare photos over time of mine for comparison in this earlier string of posts:

Welcome to the forum and share where you are growing these.  Do you plan to plant them in the ground soon or keep them in pots for a longer period of time?

[RandyK]

Thank you both! For your answers and for welcoming me as well. 

 

 Could be a hybrid, okay! I keep my eye on it in the following years. 
But I have to mark it down as Aloidendron sp. at the moment. 
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

 

 I believe this was seed from WorldWonderGardens, I could order back then from them as it was before Brexit. 

 

 I had a few ramosissimum but they didn't survive their first transplant, I was less handy back then. 

 So once I get the chance to order seed from dichotomum and ramossissum(and/or pilansii) at a reliable soruce, I will have to take it 😄. 

 

 I have a barberae already but tongaense is high on the wishlist as well. It is a very collectible and nice looking genus, it makes greedy! 

 

 They are destined to live in pots for the rest of their lives unfortunately Tracy. In autumn to be sure they don't get too much moisture I place them under cover from our shed. And in winter they go inside the greenhouse, or house when they start to look worse.  

[Tracy]

The Brexit reference makes me assume you are in the UK.  Yes, I  agree ot is a fun and beautiful genus to grow.   Considering you have to move the pots through the seasons, Aloidendron ramosissimum will be the most manageable in the long run due to overall size.  Aloidendron pilansii is another giant in the long run but so slow it is easily kept in a pot for a very long time.  It will be fun to see yours mature and reveal their true identity.