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Cape aloe

Scientific Name: Aloe ferox

Family: Aloaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cape Aloe (Aloe ferox)

Cape Aloe, scientifically known as Aloe ferox or Aloe capensis, is a succulent plant native to southern Africa. It is closely related to the more commonly known Aloe vera but possesses distinct characteristics and uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cape Aloe has reddish prickly succulent leaves.
  • The juice from the inner lining of the leaf is known as latex.

Considerations for Children

  • Cape Aloe has reddish prickly succulent leaves.
  • The juice from the inner lining of the leaf is known as latex.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aloe ferox Mill.
  • Common Names: Cape Aloe, Bitter Aloe, Red Aloe, Tap Aloe, Umhlaba, Bitterallwyn, Tapaalwyn (Afrikaans).
  • Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family) or Xanthorrhoeaceae (Aloe)
  • Synonyms: Aloe capensis, Aloe candelabrum A. Berger, Aloe africana, Aloe arborescens, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe Capensis, Aloe frutescens
  • Symbol: ALFE2

Distribution and Habitat

  • Indigenous to southern Africa, specifically the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa.
  • Native to South Africa's Cape region.
  • Not frost hardy.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Arborescent aloe, meaning it can grow into a tree-like form.
  • Can reach up to 3.5 meters tall.
  • Succulent with thick leaves that look like a Cactus plant.
  • Much-branched.
  • Stems can be clothed with a layer of persistent dead leaves.
  • Forms bright, red-orange, candelabra-like flowers.

Traditional Uses

  • Used to make bitter aloes, a purgative medication.
  • Yields a non-bitter gel used in cosmetics.
  • The gel and bitter sap have been used medicinally for centuries by indigenous cultures.

Ecological Role

  • Drought tolerant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • At home in succulent gardens.

Quirky Facts

  • The odor of Cape Aloes is described as stronger and more disagreeable than that of Socotrine or Barbados aloes.
  • Uganda Aloes, though named for Uganda, are actually a variety of Cape Aloes imported from Mossel Bay.

Further Information

  • WebMD
  • Dave's Garden