The earliest record of A. dichotomum was made by Simon van der Stel

The earliest record of Aloidendron dichotomum was made by Simon van der Stel (Governor of the Cape at the time) on his northward journey to the Copper Mountains in 1685. His record reads, "Aloe arborescens; its trunk is sometimes 12 feet high, and it has a beautiful, clear and copious sap from which excellent gumma aloes could probably be made in large quantities. Its bark is rather hard but the pith is soft, light and spongy. The branches of the trees are used by the natives (Bushmen) as quivers for their arrows. They hollow them out and cover the one end with a piece of leather and thus skilfully make from this tree, which they call Choje, a strong and serviceable quiver. October 15th".