Aloe Dichotoma, deals Aloidendron Dichotomum, Aloe Dichotoma, the Quiver Tree, Kokerboom, Blue-gray pointed leaves. USDA Zone 9-11.

Aloe Dichotoma, Aloidendron Dichotomum, Aloe Dichotoma, the Quiver Tree, Kokerboom USDA Zone 9-11.

Aloe Dichotoma, Aloidendron dichotomum, formerly Aloe dichotoma, the quiver tree or kokerboom, is a tall, branching species of succulent plant, indigenous to Southern Africa, specifically in the Northern Cape region of South Africa, and parts of Southern Namibia.

Hardiness Zone: 9-11. Height: 12-15′ Spread: 4-6′ Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun Foliage: Silver Gray Flower: Yellow

Origin and Habitat: South Africa northern Cape region and Namibia. Namaqualand and Bushmanland. from near Nieuwoudtville northwards into Namibia and eastwards to Upington and Kenhardt.
Habitat: It occurs in desert and semi-desert rocky areas where it receives rainfall, if at all, in the winter. It mostly occurs in black rock formations (called ''ysterklip'') which absorbs a lot of heat during the hot summer. (Average summer temp. is 38°C). The rocks anchor the plants which have a spread-root-system. The quiver tree is proof against frost.

Ecology: The copious nectar of its blossoms draws birds and insects as well as baboons that can strip a tree of its flowers in a short time. Being one of the only tree forms in its arid habitat, Aloe dichotoma oftentimes plays host to huge colonial nests of social weaver birds. The plants are usually found growing singly but in some areas the plants grow in large groups, giving deals the effect of a forest.

Synonyms:

Aloe dichotoma Masson
Aloidendron dichotomum (Masson) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm.
Rhipidodendrum dichotomum Willd.

One of the few examples of spontaneous forests of A. dichotomum is the Quiver Tree Forest, about 14 km north of Keetmanshoop, in Namibia. Another is located in the Northern Cape of South Africa at Gannabos.

Throughout much of its range this species is in decline. Modeling of Aloidendron dichotomum in South Africa and Namibia has contributed to understanding the needs of protected areas in response to climate change. Modelled range declines in this species due to climate change have recently been confirmed by field surveys