Zebra leaf aloe
Aloe zebrina

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

It is a small herb or shrub. It can occur singly or suckering. The leaves are in a compact ring. The leaves are 15-35 cm long by 6-7 cm wide toward the base. There are white spots on the upper surface. The flowers are erect and 1-2 m high.

Also put in the family Aloaceae. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in grassland and woodland. It southern Africa it grows between 200-1,600 m altitude. It can grow in arid places. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Australia, Botswana, Canada, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, North America, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The flowers and flower buds are eaten. They can be boiled, pressed and made into cakes. The sweet nectar of the flowers is eaten.

Edible parts

Flowers, nectar, leaves, bud

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aalwyn, Aukoreb, Kanembe, Mangana

Synonyms

Aloe ammophila Reynolds; Aloe angustifolia Groenew.; Aloe bamangwatensis Schonland; Aloe baumii Engl. & Gilg.; Aloe constricta Baker; Aloe komatiensis Reynolds; Aloe laxissima Reynolds; Aloe lettyae Reynolds; Aloe lugardiana Baker; Aloe parvibracteata sensu West; Aloe platyphylla Baker; Aloe transvaalensis Kuntze; Aloe vanermerwei Reynolds;