Bitter aloe, Red aloe, Candelabra aloe, Cape aloe
Aloe ferox

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

It can be a tall succulent plant. It can grow from 2-5 m tall. It normally has a single stem with the remains of the old dry leaves on it. The crown has the fleshy sword shaped leaves. These leaves are 15 cm wide at the base and taper to the tip. They are green but often tinged with red. They vary between being smooth to being very spiny. The edges have reddish teeth. Only one flower stalk develops. This can branch and have 5-8 erect closely packed flowering branches. These are normally bright red. The flowers are rich in nectar which is edible.

The leaves and juice are used medicinally and as a drug. There are about 350-400 Aloe species. Also put in the family Aloaceae. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Where it is found

It occurs in hills and open spaces. It grows in areas with a rainfall of 200 mm to 750 mm. The temperatures vary between 46°C and -5°C. It can grow in arid places. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, East Africa, Ecuador, Indonesia, Malawi, SE Asia, Slovenia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, South America

How it is used for food

CAUTION: The nectar when drunk in large quantities can cause paralysis. The nectar is sweet and edible. The fleshy part of the leaves with the skin stripped off is used for jam. It is also used to make drinks.

Edible parts

Leaves, nectar, stem, fruit

How it is grown

It is grown from offsets near the base of the plant. It can be grown from seeds.

There can be about 1 cc of nectar per flower.

Its other names

Local names

Aloe merah, Divja aloja, Khala

Synonyms

Aloe candelabrum A. Berger; Aloe galpinii Baker Aloe horrida Haw.; Aloe muricata Haw.; and others