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Cape Aloe Wikimedia Commons
Asphodelaceae

Cape Aloe

Aloe ferox

Resilience and protection.

Family
Asphodelaceae
Genus
Aloe
Native to
South Africa
Bloom season
Winter, Spring
Type
succulent
Height
6-10 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
Sandy, well-drained, rocky
Water
low
Hardiness
9-11
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Cape aloe produces massive candelabra-like flower spikes that can hold over a thousand individual florets.
  • The bitter yellow sap from the leaves has been harvested commercially for centuries as a natural laxative.
  • Sunbirds are the primary pollinators, hovering at the flowers much like hummingbirds do in the Americas.
  • A single Cape aloe plant can live for over 100 years in its harsh native habitat.
  • South Africa exports over 400 tons of Aloe ferox products annually, making it one of the few wild-harvested aloe species.

Color meanings

0

healing

1

endurance

2

protection

Uses

  • medicinal products
  • ornamental landscaping
  • cosmetics