torch aloe ~ 02/05/11 ~ Shoreline Park

torch aloe / krantz aloe
Aloe arborescens

Asphodelaceae (now included under Xanthorrhoeaceae)

I'm still not positive about this ID. Calflora essentially ignores this genus with two species poorly represented. I've searched, but it doesn't seem anyone really knows which particular species is so prolific along the seashore in Pacific Grove and massive - I was standing straight up when taking this photo. Does anyone know for certain? It originates from southern Africa.

ps 01/12/12 - I often find visitors get much better pictures than I could ever make, because I am someone who sees this kind of thing every day and after a while I don't appreciate the beauty: http://www.faroutflora.com/2012/01/12/fiery-aloe-spikes/

torch aloe ~ 12/25/10 ~ San Francisco Botanical Garden

torch aloe and Kenyan aloe
Aloe arborescens and Aloe kedongensis
Asphodelaceae (now included under Xanthorrhoeaceae)

posted 2/13/11 - I've been on the hunt for the ID of a particularly large and "bushy" aloe, since they're quite prominent along the shore here in Pacific Grove where I live. I took a picture of the sign (it's a close-up of what's shown in the first picture) believing I finally found a positive ID from a reputable source, the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Once I got home and searched A. kedongensis, I quickly realized this was not the correct ID for the aloe I wanted an ID. I grumbled at first that the botanical garden must have misplaced their sign. If you can't tell already, I have a general mistrust that most people can get things right. I worked in the editorial departments of a couple publishing companies and I even corrected the pre-employment proofreading test that one had been using for 25 years - according to my hiring bosses, nobody had ever caught the error in all that time. This is not to say that I don't make mistakes on a regular basis, both in factual and grammatical accuracy. Upon further inspection of the first photo, it's apparent that there are 2 species of aloes shown. In any case, I think I have finally found the proper ID for my hometown aloe.

torch aloe ~ 02/08/09 ~ Shoreline Park

torch aloe / krantz aloe
Aloe arborescens
Asphodelaceae (now included under Xanthorrhoeaceae)

This is a common plant along the PG rec trail. A group of volunteers are working on removing these massive plants. The flower looks superficially like a torch lily, but this is a succulent (Aloe genus).

ps 01/18/10 - These have been blooming along the rec trail at least since December.

pss 02/05/11 - I originally posted this as NOT red hot poker. For a much better picture, check out my latest post.