The flat-topped (capitate as opposed to conical) raceme of Aloe maculata also occurs in some other spotted, stemless aloes. They include A. affinis, A. petrophila, A. prinslooi, A. swynnertonii, A. umfoloziensis and A. vogtsii. Several of those have much narrower or less spotted leaves and more branches in the panicles. Some also have very localised, small distributions, unlike A. maculata, previously known as A. saponaria. A. maculata was described by Reynolds (1974) as the most variable among the spotted aloes.

This member of the spotted or maculate group of aloes is widespread in the South African dry interior. Aloe grandidentata naturally forms colonies by growing underground stolons or suckers spreading sideways. The name grandidentatameans "with large teeth". This may be seen as somewhat overstated, although the leaf edge teeth can be quite stout and robust.

Quite a sight, Aloe claviflora in full bloom! Apart from the kraalaalwyn common name, the plant has acquired further Afrikaans names in its inland distribution area of the Great Karoo, western Free State, Northern Cape and Namibia:

Aloe arborescens branches much, forming broad and tall shrubs or trees of more than 2 m in both dimensions. Arborescens means tree-like in Latin.