The quiver tree or Aloidendron dichotomum is probably the best known aloe found in South Africa and Namibia.

Aloidendron dichotomum is an extremely tough tree that may reach an age of over 80 years and a height of approximately 7 metres.

This species is a conspicuous component of the arid parts generally known as Namaqualand and Bushmanland. It occurs in rocky areas, from near Nieuwoudtville northwards into Namibia and eastwards to Upington and Kenhardt.

Aloidendron dichotomum features quite prominently in gardens all over South Africa and other countries with a similar climate. In wetter parts of South Africa such as the Western Cape, these plants are able to cope provided that the drainage is good enough to prevent rotting in the wet winters. A position in a hot and dry rock garden is best if one wants to grow this aloe in open ground.

Always use a good quality, loamy sandy soil with plenty of drainage chips at the bottom of containers. Bone meal is mixed into the soil to help feed the fleshy roots of plants.

The blue-green leaves are borne on terminal rosettes, but in juvenile plants the leaves are ranked in vertical rows.

The bright yellow flowers are borne from June to July.

The young flower buds can be eaten and have a similar appearance and taste to asparagus. Sugar birds are drawn to these flowers in winter where they feed on the nectar produced by the flowers.