Mopane aloe, Windhoek aloe
Aloe littoralis
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
A plant with a single stem. It grows to 3.5 m high. It is densely covered with old dry leaves along the trunk. The leaves are erect and greyish-green. The edges of the leaves have sharp light brown teeth. The flower heads are branched. The flowers are in dense pointed spikes. They are rose-red and the tips turn yellow.
There are about 350-400 Aloe species. Also put in the family Aloaceae. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in flat lowveld bushland. It requires an alkaline and well-drained soil. It can grow in arid places. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, India, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The flowers are used as a potherb. The flower stalk is cooked. The juicy leaves are eaten raw or boiled.
Edible parts
Leaf bud, flowers, leaves, nectar
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Aloe angolensis Baker; Aloe rubrolutea Schinz.; Aloe schinzii Baker;