Aloe (Aloe ciliaris)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Aloe ciliaris Haw.
Common name(s):	Aloe

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

A. ciliaris is “found principally in bush…[It is also] invariably found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees…The species is found chiefly in the coastal belt, near the sea, in no-frost areas which not infrequently experience 100 deg. F. in summer. It appears that the most robust forms occur nearer the sea, and that plants further inland are weaker” A. tidmarshi “appears to be confined to the temperate slopes” (Reynolds 1969). “A. tidmarshii was reduced to a variety of A. ciliaris. The var. tidmarhsii is very similar to A.ciliaris but is less robust in all respects” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). “A. tidmarshii occupies the temperate hills of the Zuurberg…A. ciliaris is confined to the more arid regions of the coastal plain” (Brandham and Carter 1990). A. ciliaris is “a sprawling to climbing species well suited to covering banks or a trellis” (Spencer 2005). Aloe species “occasionally escape along roadsides and into bushland” (Richardson et al. 2006). A. ciliaris “prefers light to heavy soils in an open, sunny position, and is drought and frost resistant” (Bodkin 1986). A. ciliaris “is found principally in coastal bush…[and] must be protected from frost” (Hunt 1978).

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Forestry; horticulture perennial

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Coastal; heathland; grassy/heathy dry forest; lowland forest; foothills forest; forby forest; damp forest; granitic hillslopes; rocky outcrop shrubland; western plains woodland; alluvial plains grassland; semi-arid woodland; alluvial plains woodland; ironbark/box; saline wetland; chenopod shrubland; chenopod mallee; hummock-grass mallee; lowan mallee; broombush whipstick

Colours indicate possibility of Aloe ciliaris infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

map showing the potential distribution of aloe

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	A. tidmarshii has “scandant stems 2-3 meters, long (sometimes longer), frequently branched…A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long… A. ciliaris leaf “margins armed with firm white cartilaginous teeth about 1 mm long, 3 mm distant at base” A. Tidmarshi leaf “margin of the sheath minutely ciliate (not distinctly auriculate and ciliate as in A. ciliaris)” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). A. ciliaris is “a sprawling to climbing species well suited to covering banks or a trellis” (Spencer 2005). Major impediment to access waterways or machinery. Significant works required to provide reasonable access, tracks closed or impassable.	H	M
2. Reduce tourism?	A. tidmarshii has “scandant stems 2-3 meters, long (sometimes longer), frequently branched…A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long… A. ciliaris leaf “margins armed with firm white cartilaginous teeth about 1 mm long, 3 mm distant at base” A. Tidmarshi leaf “margin of the sheath minutely ciliate (not distinctly auriculate and ciliate as in A. ciliaris)” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). A. ciliaris is “a sprawling to climbing species well suited to covering banks or a trellis” (Spencer 2005). Some recreational uses affected.	MH	M
3. Injurious to people?	A. ciliaris leaf “margins armed with firm white cartilaginous teeth about 1 mm long, 3 mm distant at base” A. Tidmarshi leaf “margin of the sheath minutely ciliate (not distinctly auriculate and ciliate as in A. ciliaris)” (Reynolds 1969). Mildly toxic, may cause some physiological issues (e.g. hayfever, minor rashes, minor damage from spines and burrs at certain times of year).	ML	M
4. Damage to cultural sites?	A. tidmarshii has “scandant stems 2-3 meters, long (sometimes longer), frequently branched…A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). A. ciliaris is “a sprawling to climbing species well suited to covering banks or a trellis” (Spencer 2005). Moderate visual effect.	ML	M
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	A. ciliaris is “found principally in bush…[It is also] invariably found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees…The species is found chiefly in the coastal belt, near the sea… It appears that the most robust forms occur nearer the sea, and that plants further inland are weaker” A. tidmarshi “appears to be confined to the temperate slopes” (Reynolds 1969). “A. tidmarshii occupies the temperate hills of the Zuurberg…A. ciliaris is confined to the more arid regions of the coastal plain” (Brandham and Carter 1990). A. ciliaris is “a sprawling to climbing species well suited to covering banks or a trellis” (Spencer 2005). Aloe species “occasionally escape along roadsides and into bushland” (Richardson et al. 2006). A. ciliaris “is found principally in coastal bush” (Hunt 1978). Little or negligible affect on water flow.	L	M
6. Impact water quality?	A. ciliaris is “found principally in bush…[It is also] invariably found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees…The species is found chiefly in the coastal belt, near the sea… It appears that the most robust forms occur nearer the sea, and that plants further inland are weaker” A. tidmarshi “appears to be confined to the temperate slopes” (Reynolds 1969). “A. tidmarshii occupies the temperate hills of the Zuurberg…A. ciliaris is confined to the more arid regions of the coastal plain” (Brandham and Carter 1990). A. ciliaris is “a sprawling to climbing species well suited to covering banks or a trellis” (Spencer 2005). Aloe species “occasionally escape along roadsides and into bushland” (Richardson et al. 2006). A. ciliaris “is found principally in coastal bush” (Hunt 1978). No noticeable effect on dissolved 02 or light levels.	L	M
7. Increase soil erosion?	No information found.	M	L
8. Reduce biomass?	“Plants form large masses of semi-woody stems that are supported by surrounding bushes and trees. The stems can reach a length of up to 6 m” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). “A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). Biomass may increase.	L	M
9. Change fire regime?	“Plants form large masses of semi-woody stems that are supported by surrounding bushes and trees. The stems can reach a length of up to 6 m and are leafless for most of their length” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). “A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). Moderate change to both frequency and intensity of fire risk.	MH	ML
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Coastal Headland Scrub (V); CMA = Corangamite; Bioregion = Otway Plain; VH CLIMATE potential. “Plants form large masses of semi-woody stems that are supported by surrounding bushes and trees. The stems can reach a length of up to 6 m” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). “A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strata/layer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	ML
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Herb Rich Foothill Forest (D); CMA =North Central; Bioregion =Central Victoria Uplands; VH CLIMATE potential. “Plants form large masses of semi-woody stems that are supported by surrounding bushes and trees. The stems can reach a length of up to 6 m” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). “A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986).	MH	ML
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Shrubby Dry Forest (LC); CMA =East Gippsland; Bioregion =Highlands- Southern Fall; VH CLIMATE potential. “Plants form large masses of semi-woody stems that are supported by surrounding bushes and trees. The stems can reach a length of up to 6 m” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). “A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986).	MH	ML
11. Impact on structure?	“Plants form large masses of semi-woody stems that are supported by surrounding bushes and trees. The stems can reach a length of up to 6 m” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). “A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). Minor effect on >60% of the layers or major effect on < 60% of the floral strata.	MH	ML
12. Effect on threatened flora?	No information found.	M	L
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	No information found.	M	L
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	“A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). Reduction in habitat for fauna spp., leading to reduction in numbers of individuals, but not to local extinction.	MH	ML
15. Benefits fauna?	A. ciliaris var. ciliaris is “attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds” A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. tidmarshii has “scandant stems 2-3 meters, long (sometimes longer), frequently branched…A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long”. A. ciliaris leaf “margins armed with firm white cartilaginous teeth about 1 mm long, 3 mm distant at base” A. Tidmarshi leaf “margin of the sheath minutely ciliate (not distinctly auriculate and ciliate as in A. ciliaris)” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986A. ciliaris is “a sprawling to climbing species well suited to covering banks or a trellis” (Spencer 2005). Provides some assistance in either food or shelter to desirable species.	MH	ML
16. Injurious to fauna?	A. ciliaris leaf “margins armed with firm white cartilaginous teeth about 1 mm long, 3 mm distant at base” A. Tidmarshi leaf “margin of the sheath minutely ciliate (not distinctly auriculate and ciliate as in A. ciliaris)” (Reynolds 1969). Unlikely to cause injury to animals. No effect.	L	ML
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	A. ciliaris var. ciliaris is “attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds” (My aloe database, undated). Supplies food for one or more minor pest species.(eg. blackbirds or environmental insect pests).	ML	ML
18. Provides harbour?	A. tidmarshii has “scandant stems 2-3 meters, long (sometimes longer), frequently branched” (Reynolds 1969). “A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris can “cover large areas in an informal garden” (Burnie 1986). A. ciliaris leaf “margins armed with firm white cartilaginous teeth about 1 mm long, 3 mm distant at base” A. Tidmarshi leaf “margin of the sheath minutely ciliate (not distinctly auriculate and ciliate as in A. ciliaris)” (Reynolds 1969). A. ciliaris is “a sprawling to climbing species well suited to covering banks or a trellis” (Spencer 2005). Capacity to provide harbour and permanent warrens for foxes and rabbits throughout the year.	H	ML
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	No information found.	M	L
20. Impact quality?	No information found.	M	L
21. Affect land value?	No information found.	M	L
22. Change land use?	No information found.	M	L
23. Increase harvest costs?	No information found.	M	L
24. Disease host/vector?	No information found.	M	L

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	Plant A. ciliaris var. ciliaris in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm shady position in standard seed trays. Germination is within three weeks. Cover with a thin layer of sand (1-2 mm) and keep moist” (My aloe database, undated). May require natural seasonal disturbances such as seasonal rainfall, spring/summer temperatures for germination.	MH	ML
2. Establishment requirements?	A. ciliaris is “found principally in bush…[It is also] invariably found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees” (Reynolds 1969). Aloe species “occasionally escape along roadsides and into bushland” (Richardson et al. 2006). Can establish under moderate canopy/litter cover.	MH	M
3. How much disturbance is required?	A. ciliaris is “found principally in bush… [It is also] invariably found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees” (Reynolds 1969). Aloe species “occasionally escape along roadsides and into bushland” (Richardson et al. 2006). Establishes in highly disturbed natural ecosystems (eg. roadsides, wildlife corridors, or areas which have a greater impact by humans such as tourist areas or campsites) or in overgrazed pastures/poorly growing or patchy crops.	ML	ML
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	“A. ciliaris is found climbing up through bushes, shrubs and trees, the length of stem developed being limited, it seems, only by the height of the bush. The author has observed specimens with stems up to 20 ft. long” (Reynolds 1969). “Aloe ciliaris var. ciliaris is a small climbing aloe… A. ciliaris var. ciliaris “branches profusely and climbs all over everything” (My aloe database, undated). “Aloe species (aloes) are succulent perennial herbs or shrubs with fleshy leaves…Aloe ciliaris is a clambering or climbing plant with slender stems that can grow to 5 m long” (Richardson et al. 2006). “This is unusual among aloes in being a scrambling climber (Burnie et al. 1998). “Plants form large masses of semi-woody stems that are supported by surrounding bushes and trees” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). Climber.	ML	ML
5. Allelopathic properties?	Not described as allelopathic in Bodkin (1986), Brandham and Carter (1990), Burnie et al , Hodgkiss (2010). Lazarides et al. (1997), My aloe database (undated), Newman et al. (1998), Van Wyk and Smith (1996), Richardson et al. (2006), Spencer (2005), Reynolds (1969) or (Hunt 1978). None.	L	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	No information found.	M	L
7. Normal growth rate?	“A. ciliaris (climbing aloe) is a small, fast-growing species” (Hodgkiss 2010). A. ciliaris var. ciliaris: “is the fastest growing of all aloe species” (My aloe database, undated). Rapid growth rate that will exceed most other species of the same life form.	H	ML
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	A. ciliaris is frost tender and “drought tolerant, but will also grow well in high rainfall regions” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris is “drought and frost resistant” (Bodkin 1986). A. ciliaris is “found chiefly in the coastal belt, near the sea, in no-frost areas which not infrequently experience 100 deg. F. in summer” (Reynolds 1969). “A. tidmarshii was reduced to a variety of A. ciliaris. The var. tidmarhsii is very similar to A. ciliaris but is less robust in all respects” (Van Wyk and Smith 1996). A. ciliaris “is found principally in coastal bush… [and] must be protected from frost” (Hunt 1978). Tolerant to drought, may have some tolerance to salinity and frost. Probably intolerant to waterlogging. Unknown to fire. Tolerant to at least two and susceptible to at least one.	ML	ML
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	A. ciliaris is “sunbird pollinated” (Hodgkiss 2010). “To summarise Dr. Meller’s conclusion regarding A. tidmarshi and A.ciliaris: (1) They are intersterile; (2) normally fertile and self perpetuating: (3) differ quantitatively and not qualitatively; (4) mainly geographically isolated” (Reynolds 1969). Sexual (either cross or self-pollination).	L	ML
10. Number of propagules produced?	A. ciliaris have racemes 24-30 flowered. It has also “been recorded in flower during almost every month of the year. There appears to be no maximum flowering period, and it seems that plants flower more or less throughout the year… The racemes of A. tidmarshi are more laxly flowered, comparatively longer and more narrowly cylindric-acuminate than those of A. ciliaris which are broader and shorter and more densely flowered” (Reynolds 1969). Photo of Aloe ciliaris showing 56 racemes (Palmbob 2003). 56 racemes x 30 flowers= 1680 flowers. 1000-2000 seeds.	MH	ML
11. Propagule longevity?	No information found.	M	L
12. Reproductive period?	A. ciliaris var. ciliaris: “Flowering occurs within 2-3 years” (My aloe database, undated). A. ciliaris is a perennial (Lazarides 1997). Mature plant produces viable propagules for 3–10 years.	MH	ML
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	A. ciliaris var. ciliaris: “Flowering occurs within 2-3 years” (My aloe database, undated). 2-5 years to reach sexual maturity, or for vegetative propagules to become separate individuals.	ML	ML
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	No information found.	M	L
15. How far do they disperse?	No information found.	M	L

References

Bodkin F. (1986) Encyclopaedia Botanica: The Essential Reference Guide to Native and Exotic Plants in Australia. Angus & Robertson.

Brandham and Carter (1990) A revision of the Aloe tidmarshii /A. ciliaris complex in South Africa. Kew Bulletin. 45 (4).

Burnie G, Forrester S, Grieg D, Guest S, Harmony M, Hobley S, Hackson G, Lavarack P, Ledgett M, McDonald R, Macoboy S, Molyneux B, Moodie D, Moore J, Newman D, North T, Pienaar K, Purdy G, Silk J, Ryan S, Schien G. (1998) Botanica; 2nd Ed. Random House, Milsons Point.

Hodgkiss R.J (2010). Available at: http://www.succulent-plant.com/families/aloaceae.html (verified 29/04/2010).

Hunt D.R. (Ed.) (1978) Aloe ciliaris. Curtis’s Botanical Magazine. 182(2).

Lazarides M, Cowley K. and Hohnen P. (1997) CSIRO Handbook of Australian Weeds. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

My aloe database (undated) My Aloe Database. Available at: http://www.be-amazed.co.za/gardening/aloes/ciliaris.html (verified 19/05/2010).

Newman D, North T, Pienaar K, Purdy G, Silk J, Ryan S, Schien G. (1998) Botanica; 2nd Ed. Random House, Milsons Point.

Palmbob (2003) Aloe ciliaris. Available at:
http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://image06.webshots.com/6/1/68/22/76616822KJQtnZ_fs.jpg&imgrefurl=http://home-andgarden.webshots.com/photo/1076616822046846379KJQtnZ&usg=__CirYpuzt_MSizFAAqRWBJylMZ2g=&h=1600&w=2400&sz=1114&hl=en&start=48&itbs=1&tbnid=D3_OhbYVZvwQAM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Daloe%2Bciliaris%26start%3D36%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1 (verified 15/06/2010).

Reynolds G.W. (1969) The Aloes of South Africa. A.A. Balkema, Cape Town.

Richardson FJ, Richardson RG and Shepherd RCH. (2006) Weeds of the South-east. An Identification Guide for Australia. RG & FJ Richardson. Meredith.

Spencer R. (Ed.) (2005) Horticultural Flora of South-Eastern Australia Volume 5. Flowering Plants Monocotyledons. UNSW Press.

Van Wyk B.E. and Smith G (1996) Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. Briza, Pretoria.

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2010) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at
http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 10/06/2010).

Department of the Environment and Heritage (Commonwealth of Australia). (1993 – On-going) Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) http://www.cpbr.gov.au/apni/index.html (verified 09/03/2010).

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2008) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 09/03/2010).

Integrated Taxonomic Information System. (2009) Available at http://www.itis.gov/ (verified 09/03/2010).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2010) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html (verified 09/03/2010).

United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. Taxonomy Query. (2003) Available at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxgenform.pl (verified 09/03/2010).

Walsh N and Stajsic V. (2007) A Census of the Vascular Plants of Victoria. 8th Edn. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

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