The Réunion Aloe is a highly variable species, with a great many different forms.

Within this group, it is most closely related to Aloe purpurea of neighbouring Mauritius.

It can also be distinguished from Aloe purpurea by its shorter flowers and pedicels which are a much brighter red colour, and by its smaller fruits.

[2] It can grow a stem up to 30 cm long, with a rosette of green succulent leaves with red, toothed margins.

It is one of only a few "Lomatophyllum" species to grow, not on beaches, but on cliffs and high rocky slopes.