Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe, Bitter Aloe, Red Aloe.)
Botanical Information
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Species | ferox |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Origin | South Africa and Lesotho. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | The hard, black, resinous product is known as Cape aloes or aloe lump and is used mainly for its laxative properties but is also taken for arthritis. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 2 - 3 m |
| Flowering Period | January, November, December |
Description and Growing Information
| Landscape | Beds, borders, patio, containers, gravel and rock garden, and Mediterranean Garden. |
| Propagation | By seed. |
| Cultivation | It is best grown in well-drained soil, which should be soaked and allowed to dry out between waterings. |
| Notable Specimens | Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America. |
| Habitat | Aloe ferox is a common species on semi-arid plains and rocky mountain slopes of South Africa. |
| Leaf Description | Dull green leaves arranged in a rosette with spines along the leaf edge, which are reddish in colour. |
| Flower Description | Flower colour varies from yellowy-orange to bright red, and have their inner petals tipped with white. |
Photographs
Aloe ferox, form2. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America