As mentioned before, this aloe forms many branches from the ground level. This is the only significant difference between A. dichotomum and A. ramosissimum. Branching continues as the plant becomes older, resulting in a dense, almost spherical shrub up to 2 m high and wide. The stems are smooth and covered with a waxy, grey powder, which acts as a sunscreen in the harsh climate. The branches end in small rosettes of fleshy, oblong leaves, each up to 200 mm long and 20 mm wide at the base. The leaf colour is glaucous-green or yellowish green, often with a pinkish tinge. The margins have narrow edges with brownish teeth. The flowers appear from June to August.

The usually 3-branched inflorescence is short, up to 200 mm long, with comparatively large, swollen, fleshy flowers which are bright yellow. The capsules are shiny and smooth and when dry, split into three, remaining fused at the base. Seeds are narrow, winged, up to about 30 x18 mm.