Aloe volkensii
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
A thick fleshy herb. It has a stiff erect stem and can be 4 m tall. It can develop offsets from near the base. The leaves are long and slender. They are 60 cm long and curved and have teeth with brown tips along the edges. Deal leaves remain on the stem. The flowers are orange to red and 35 mm long.
Also put in the family Aloaceae. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows from near sea level to 1,900 m above sea level. It grows in dry bushveld often on rocky slopes.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
How it is used for food
The roots are used to help the fermentation of honey beer and to give a slightly bitter flavour.
Edible parts
Roots - flavour