it is part of a group of aloes which bear fleshy berries, and were therefore classed as a separate group, "lomatophyllum". within this group it is most closely related to "aloe aldabrensis" and "aloe alexandrei" - both also from islands in the mozambique channel - as well as "aloe peyrierasii" from the north east corner of madagascar. the pemba aloe differs from these species by its growth into dense clumps, its flower colour, and its longer inflorescence.