Aloe tongaensis
The flowers of Aloe tongaensis are it's primary distinctive feature, growing on short multi branched inflorescences, and topped with short, almost capitate racemes of yellow-orange flowers, all facing up until opening at which time they drop downward (this is nothing like an Aloe barberae inflorescence). The flowers also always seem to be reaching for the sky, often far above or at least noticeably above the vegetation (something else one never sees in Aloe barberae inflorescences). The inflorescence is branched like a candle-stick (candelabriform) and up to 350 mm tall and about 190 mm in diameter. The racemes are 40–60 mm long and laxly arranged, ascending, with yellow buds. These are pendent when the flowers open. The fruiting capsules become erect after flowering. The seeds are flattened, winged and about mm in diameter. Flowering time is mainly autumn. read more