
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The gel from the leaves is used topically for burns, wounds, and skin irritations. The dried leaf sap is a potent laxative, though use should be cautious. In permaculture gardens, it serves as an architectural plant, attracting pollinators. It can be used as a living fence or boundary marker due to its sharp spines and robust size. It's drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
Permapeople description
Aloe ferox, also known as the Cape Aloe or bitter aloe, is a species of aloe indigenous to South Africa. It is a large, single-stemmed aloe with thick, fleshy leaves that contain a bitter, yellow sap used for medicinal purposes.
Botanical description
Aloe ferox is a tall, single-stemmed aloe, typically reaching 6-10 feet in height. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and arranged in a rosette. They are blue-green in color and have reddish-brown spines along the margins and on the leaf surfaces. The flowers are bright orange to red and are borne on a branched inflorescence that can reach up to 4 feet tall. The plant is native to South Africa and is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Companion planting
Aloe ferox thrives in arid conditions and doesn't have specific companion planting requirements. Avoid planting near plants requiring high moisture. Its presence may deter herbivores due to its spiny leaves.
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically done by seed. It can also be propagated by offsets or cuttings, but this is less common.
History and traditions
The bitter aloe has a long history of traditional medicinal use in South Africa. The leaf sap was traditionally used as a purgative and to treat a variety of ailments. The gel from the leaves was used to soothe burns and wounds. The plant holds cultural significance for some indigenous communities.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs primarily in winter (June-August in the Southern Hemisphere). Harvesting of leaves for gel or sap can occur year-round, but is best done during the growing season. Planting is best done in spring or early summer.