Most aloes sit still. They form rosettes, they stay put, they wait. The scrambling aloes do something radically different: they climb, they sprawl, they lean on shrubs and fences and scramble through thickets, sending long, slender, multi-branched stems up through surrounding vegetation or cascading down rocky slopes. They are the vines of the alooid world — and they include one of the most cold-hardy alooids in existence.
Aloiampelos is a genus of seven species of climbing and sprawling succulent perennials, all endemic to southern Africa. The genus was separated from Aloe in 2013, recognising that these plants form a distinct evolutionary lineage characterised by their scrambling habit, elongated stems with prominent internodes, sheathing leaves and small, often brightly coloured flowers. The most important species for temperate gardeners is Aloiampelos striatula — a mountain aloe from the cold highlands of the Eastern Cape and Lesotho that tolerates temperatures down to -10 to -12 °C (14 to 10 °F) in well-drained soil. It is, quite simply, the toughest aloe you can grow outdoors in a cold climate.
This page is the reference for the genus Aloiampelos on our site. It covers taxonomy, all seven species, cultivation and the resources that every grower needs.
Taxonomy and classification
Separation from Aloe
The scrambling aloes were traditionally classified within Aloe, in series Macrifoliae — a group defined by their climbing or sprawling habit and elongated, sheathing leaves. They were always distinctive: no other aloes grow like this. But it was molecular phylogenetic data that provided the justification for formal separation.
In 2013, Grace et al. proposed the genus Aloiampelos, with the name combining Aloe with the Greek ampelos (“vine, climbing plant”) — literally, “climbing aloe.” The genus was formally established by Klopper and Smith, with seven species transferred from Aloe. Manning et al. (2014) confirmed the circumscription, and Woudstra et al. (2025) validated the monophyly of the genus using nuclear phylogenomics.
Position in the alooid group
Aloiampelos belongs to the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae, within the alooid clade. Molecular studies place it within the “true aloe” clade — closer to Aloe sensu stricto and Aloidendron (the tree aloes) than to the haworthioid genera. Some chemical analyses have suggested a closer affinity to the creeping aloes (Aloe ser. Mitriformes) than to the tree aloes, but its exact sister relationship within the clade requires further resolution.
Distribution
Aloiampelos is endemic to southern Africa — South Africa (primarily the Cape Provinces, but also KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Northern Provinces) and Lesotho. The centre of diversity is the Eastern Cape, where the most widespread species (A. ciliaris, A. tenuior, A. striatula, A. gracilis) occur in various habitats from coastal thicket to mountain grassland.
Several rare species survive in isolated pockets further west, in the fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape — a fire-prone biome that is generally inhospitable to aloes. Aloiampelos commixta, A. juddii and A. decumbens are all Western Cape endemics with very restricted distributions, growing in coarse sandstone soils within the fynbos.
The genus has been naturalised in several regions outside its native range — France, Algeria, Morocco, the Canary Islands, Norfolk Island and the Juan Fernández Islands — a testament to the ease of cultivation and vigour of the commoner species.
Morphology: the aloes that climb
Growth form: the defining character. All Aloiampelos species are creeping, shrubby or climbing succulent perennials with elongated, multi-branched stems and a large, woody base at ground level. The stems are relatively slender (compared to the thick, solitary trunks of Aloidendron or the compact rosettes of Aloe), with prominent internodes (the gaps between leaf insertions are clearly visible). Two growth strategies exist within the genus, adapted to different habitats: species from tall, dense thicket vegetation (A. ciliaris) are tall and erect, often with hooked, recurved leaves that anchor the branches and allow the plant to climb through trees; species from low, sparse fynbos vegetation (A. decumbens, A. commixta) are more decumbent, rambling along the ground.
Leaves: spirally arranged, with a distinct basal sheath that clasps the stem — the most reliable diagnostic character for the genus. Leaves are of medium length, rather narrow, thin (not as thick and fleshy as most Aloe), unspotted, with small, soft, harmless teeth on the margins. Leaf exudate is normally absent or minimal and watery — unlike the bitter yellow exudate of Aloe and Tulista.
Flowers: small, tubular, sometimes banana-shaped or slightly constricted in the middle. Colour ranges from bright yellow (A. commixta, A. tenuior) through orange (A. striatula) to red, pink or scarlet (A. ciliaris, A. juddii, A. gracilis). Inflorescences are usually unbranched with lax to dense cylindrical or head-shaped racemes. In cultivation, with good care, some species produce branched inflorescences (panicles). Flowers are pollinated by sunbirds and honeybees.
Roots: a large, woody rootstock at the base, from which the multiple stems arise.
Species list: all seven accepted species
The widespread Eastern Cape species
Aloiampelos ciliaris (Haw.) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. (syn. Aloe ciliaris) — Eastern and Western Cape (the most widespread species). The climbing aloe. The fastest-growing alooid — stems can elongate by a metre per year in ideal conditions, clambering through shrubs and trees to heights of five metres or more. Leaves are short, fleshy, with distinctively ciliate (fringed with fine white hairs) leaf sheaths — the origin of the species name. Flowers are red to orange, tubular, borne in lax racemes. Several varieties are recognised: var. ciliaris (typical), var. redacta (smaller flowers), var. tidmarshii (larger, more robust). Extremely easy to grow from cuttings, very vigorous. One of the easiest aloes to establish in the garden. Hardy to approximately -3 to -5 °C (23 to 27 °F).
Aloiampelos striatula (Haw.) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. (syn. Aloe striatula) — Eastern Cape highlands, southeastern Free State and southern Lesotho. The hardy aloe. The most robust member of the genus — and one of the most cold-hardy alooids in existence. In habitat, it grows among rocks on mountain tops within the winter snow belt, in one of the coldest parts of southern Africa. Recurved, shiny, dark green leaves with leaf sheaths that are distinctly longitudinally green-lined (striated — hence the name). Racemes are cylindrical to cone-shaped, relatively dense, with reddish-orange flowers 40–45 mm long. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer. Hardy to -10 to -12 °C (14 to 10 °F) in well-drained soil — making it a realistic prospect for outdoor culture in USDA zones 7b–8 and increasingly planted in coastal UK gardens, the Pacific Northwest and other mild maritime climates. Forms dense, sprawling clumps that can be used as hedges or ground cover. Widely used as a hedge or boundary fence in Lesotho. Two varieties: var. striatula (typical) and var. caesia (more glaucous). Often shy to flower in cultivation — heavy soil and deep summer watering encourage blooming.
Aloiampelos tenuior (Haw.) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. (syn. Aloe tenuior) — KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, open sandy terrain. The fence aloe or gardener’s aloe. Slender, wiry stems with small, narrow leaves. The most prolifically flowering species in the genus — covered in bright yellow flowers in spring and summer. The common name “gardener’s aloe” reflects its popularity in South African gardens, where it is used to cover fences and pergolas. Hardy to approximately -3 to -5 °C (23 to 27 °F). Prefers heavy soil and tolerates some frost but should be protected from wind and severe cold.
Aloiampelos gracilis (Haw.) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. (syn. Aloe gracilis) — Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth area, Baviaanskloof) and into the Western Cape. A scrambling species of dry thicket and transitional vegetation between Eastern Cape thicket and Western Cape fynbos. Pink to reddish flowers. Prefers semi-shade and rich, well-drained soil. Hardy to approximately -3 °C (27 °F).
The rare Western Cape fynbos endemics
Three species survive in isolated pockets within the fire-prone fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape — a biome that is generally hostile to aloes. These are all rare, range-restricted species of high conservation concern.
Aloiampelos commixta (A. Berger) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. (syn. Aloe commixta) — Cape Peninsula endemic, confined to a tiny area between Fish Hoek and Slangkop (Simonstown). The name commixta (“mixed together”) refers to the tangled, intermingled stems of this sprawling plant. Creeping to about one metre tall, with dull green leaves on fine stems. Flowers bright yellow. Grows in acidic, sandy soils in the winter-rainfall region. Not very frost-tolerant. Should be planted in sandy soil and watered well during winter.
Aloiampelos juddii (Van Jaarsv.) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. (syn. Aloe juddii) — Western Cape (extremely restricted range). One of the rarest alooids. Flowers scarlet red. A fynbos specialist.
Aloiampelos decumbens (Reynolds) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. (syn. Aloe decumbens) — Western Cape (very restricted). A decumbent, ground-hugging scrambler — the growth form adapted to low, sparse fynbos vegetation where there is nothing tall to climb. Rare in habitat and in cultivation.
Cultivation
The scrambling aloes are among the most vigorous and rewarding alooids for the garden — fast-growing (by succulent standards), easy to propagate and, in the case of A. striatula, remarkably cold-hardy.
Light: full sun to partial shade. Most species flower best in full sun but tolerate light shade. Aloiampelos gracilis prefers semi-shade. The Western Cape fynbos species (A. commixta) should be protected from harsh, direct sunlight.
Substrate: well-drained soil is essential for all species. Aloiampelos striatula benefits from heavier soil and deep watering — in its mountain habitat, it grows in mineral-rich, clay-based soils that retain some moisture. The fynbos species prefer sandy, acidic soils. The Eastern Cape thicket species are less fussy and tolerate a range of garden soils.
Watering: moderate to generous during the growing season — these are not desert succulents. The scrambling aloes come from areas with moderate to good rainfall and benefit from regular watering, particularly in summer. Aloiampelos commixta is the exception: it requires winter watering (winter-rainfall origin). Reduce watering in the dormant season but do not allow plants to go completely dry for extended periods.
Temperature and hardiness: the critical information for temperate gardeners:
Aloiampelos striatula: -10 to -12 °C (14 to 10 °F) — the hardiest. USDA zones 7b–8. Increasingly planted in coastal UK, Pacific Northwest, Mediterranean France. Must have perfect drainage in winter.
Aloiampelos ciliaris, A. tenuior: approximately -3 to -5 °C (23 to 27 °F). USDA zones 9–10.
Aloiampelos gracilis, A. commixta: approximately -3 °C (27 °F). USDA zone 10.
Aloiampelos juddii, A. decumbens: frost-sensitive. USDA zone 10–11.
Garden uses
The scrambling aloes are versatile garden plants — they can be used to cover banks, walls, fences and pergolas, cascading down slopes or climbing through supporting shrubs. Aloiampelos striatula makes an excellent hedge or boundary fence — in Lesotho, it is traditionally planted for this purpose. Aloiampelos ciliaris is outstanding for covering fences quickly, and A. tenuior produces the most prolific flowering display. All species attract sunbirds when in flower.
Propagation
From stem cuttings: the easiest and most practical method. Cut a stem section with a sharp knife, allow the wound to dry in the shade for a few days, then plant directly in the ground where you want the plant to grow. Most species root quickly and establish within weeks. Best done during the warmer months.
From seed: germination is reliable at 20–25 °C. Most species are not self-fertile — an individual plant usually needs a partner to set seed. Some species are inter-fertile and can form natural hybrids.
Pests and diseases
Scale insects and aphids: the main pests, particularly on the soft, thin leaves. Treat with an oil-based spray or neem oil.
Mealybugs: less common than in compact rosette-forming alooids, but can occur at leaf bases and internodes.
Root rot: from prolonged waterlogging, particularly in winter. The scrambling aloes tolerate more moisture than most alooids, but good drainage remains essential — especially for A. striatula in cold climates, where wet roots plus frost equals death.
Conservation
The widespread Eastern Cape species (A. ciliaris, A. tenuior, A. striatula) are not threatened. The Western Cape fynbos endemics are a different matter: A. commixta is a Cape Peninsula endemic with an extremely small range — the entire known population fits within a few square kilometres between Fish Hoek and Simonstown. Aloiampelos juddii and A. decumbens are equally rare and range-restricted. Urban expansion, alien plant invasion and the fire-dependent dynamics of the fynbos biome all threaten these relict populations. All Aloiampelos species are protected by South African environmental legislation and are listed under CITES Appendix II.
Web resources
Plants of the World Online (POWO) — Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. The authoritative database for accepted names and synonymy. Search “Aloiampelos” for all seven accepted species. powo.science.kew.org
PlantZAfrica — South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Outstanding genus page for Aloiampelos, plus individual species pages for A. commixta, A. striatula and others. Distribution, ecology, cultivation advice. pza.sanbi.org
The Haworthia Society (haworthia.org). Covers all alooid genera including Aloiampelos.
Pacific Bulb Society (pacificbulbsociety.org). Useful cultivation notes from growers in mild maritime climates (California, Pacific Northwest, coastal UK).
iNaturalist (inaturalist.org). Citizen-science observations with photographs and GPS data. Valuable for understanding the distribution and variation of each species in the wild.
Bibliography
Taxonomy and phylogenetics
Grace O.M., Klopper R.R., Figueiredo E., Smith G.F. (2013). A revised generic classification for Aloe (Xanthorrhoeaceae subfam. Asphodeloideae). Phytotaxa, 76: 7–14. — The paper that established Aloiampelos as a genus, transferring seven species from Aloe.
Manning J.C., Boatwright J.S., Daru B.H., Maurin O., Van der Bank M. (2014). A molecular phylogeny and generic classification of Asphodelaceae subfamily Alooideae. Systematic Botany, 39(1): 55–74. — Confirmed the circumscription of Aloiampelos.
Woudstra Y., Grace O.M., Klopper R.R. et al. (2025). Nuclear phylogenomics reveals strong geographic patterns in the evolutionary history of Aloe and related genera (alooids). Annals of Botany. — Validates the monophyly of Aloiampelos using nuclear genome data.
Smith G.F., Figueiredo E., Verloove F., Klopper R.R., Silva V. (2023). An annotated catalogue of Aloe and Aloiampelos naturalised and escaped in continental Portugal. Phytotaxa, 629(1): 35–52. — Documents naturalisation of Aloiampelos species in Europe.
Species descriptions and ecology
Brandham P.E., Carter S. (1990). A revision of the Aloe tidmarshii / Aloe ciliaris complex in South Africa. Kew Bulletin, 45(4): 637–645. — The definitive treatment of the A. ciliaris complex.
Van Wyk B.-E., Smith G.F. (1996). Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria. — Practical identification guide covering all southern African aloes including the species now placed in Aloiampelos.
General references
Carter S., Lavranos J.J., Newton L.E., Walker C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Kew Publishing. — Covers the scrambling aloes under Aloe.
Court D. (2000). Succulent Flora of Southern Africa. Revised edition. — Descriptions and cultivation notes for the species now in Aloiampelos.
Going further
The genus Aloiampelos is the most dynamic, fast-growing and garden-friendly group within the alooid clade. While most alooids sit still in their rosettes, the scrambling aloes climb, sprawl, cascade and cover — transforming walls, banks, fences and pergolas into living tapestries of succulent green and bright flowers. And with Aloiampelos striatula tolerating temperatures that would kill every other alooid stone dead, the genus extends the alooid garden into climates that were previously considered impossible. If you have a fence to cover, a bank to stabilise, a wall to soften or simply want an aloe that does something different — look to Aloiampelos. Our site offers species profiles, care guides and hardiness data for every alooid genus.