Cape Aloe
Aloe ferox
A bitter plant with benefits
For centuries, different types of aloe have been used for their medicinal properties. Of the 300+ species, Aloe ferox is one of the largest and most beneficial. The plant is native to the Cape region of South Africa and is rarely cultivated. This is in contrast to the better known Aloe vera that is grown on plantations.
The harvest of the lower, mature leaves is done by hand. The leaves are laid in a circle around a drain so that the bitter sap, which contains a high content of aloin, can run out. The leaves are washed so that they are no longer bitter and then processed into a ‘juice’ or aloe gel. The juice can help relieve acid formation as well as stomach ache and intestinal disorders. The gel is used to help the healing of wounds.
Themes
Crown jewel in the Overzee Botanic Garden.
The bitter sap was used as a purgative medication.
The gel-like flesh from the inside of the leaves is used in cosmetic products and is reported to have wound healing properties.
Details
| Description: | Succulent, grafted trunk, up to 3.0 m in height. |
|---|---|
| Distributions: | South africa |
| Habitat: | Semi-arid open plains and rocky mountain slopes. |
| Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
| Hardiness: | 23 - 34 f (half-hardy - unheated glasshouse/mild winter) |
| Flowering period: | Mei - september |
| Flower color: | Orange, yellow, red |
| At its best: | Mei - september |