Aloe secundiflora
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
An evergreen succulent. It has about 20 spear shaped leaves in a ring. The leaves can be 30-75 cm long by 8-30 cm wide at the base.
Also put in the family Aloaceae. It has antimicrobial activity. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It can grow in arid places. It grows between 1,350-1,550 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
How it is used for food
The bark at the base of the leaves is boiled, crushed then used to make honey beer. The nectar from the flowers is sucked by children. The base of the flowering shoots are chewed. Caution: It should not be used in large amounts or for extended time.
The leaves are a famine food.
Edible parts
Bark - drink, roots - drink, leaves, flower - nectar
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kiluma