Due to problems with specimen labeling, this species as originally described was thought to be from Socotra, Yemen, hence the epithet. However, it actually is from the Cape peninsula near Cape Town, Western Cape Province of South Africa. It can have a short stem, but typically it produces light green leaves with prominent marginal teeth, betraying its close relation to Aloe arborescens. The flowers are red. These plants are open-pollinated seedlings in 4-inch pots.