The Aloe is a succulent plant that is native to Africa and very common in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. There are about 400 different species of Aloe plants.
The Aloe Ferox is found specifically in South Africa and is one of only a few that were used traditionally as a herbal medicine. Although the Aloe Vera is the best known Aloe as far as medicinal value goes, the Aloe Ferox also has various uses. Today, the gel found in the leaves is used for soothing minor burns, wounds and various skin conditions. It is also used in skin creams, shampoos and, although not proven successfully, in some herbal drinks.
Most Aloes have a rosette of large, thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are often lance-shaped with a sharp end and a spiny edges. Aloe flowers are tubular, frequently orange, yellow, pink or red and are densely clustered.
When the Aloes are in flowers it does not just mean a visual spectacle, it also means an abundance of food for bees and sun birds. It also provides great photo opportunities to catch these little workers in action on the flowers.
Wow! There are so many amazing things in your blog. I have have to play catch up. I was just reading the post about the library in Port Elizabeth. It is almost surreal for me to read about a place where my mother was sure to have visited when she lived in Port Elizabeth. I wish she were alive to read your blog. She would love it!The owl house is incredible. I have never heard of it before.
What amazing plants, we only see them in botanical gardens, way too cold for anything like Aloe over here, but, we do have have Aloe skin creams, I wonder if there is a connection? I am on the London network for facebook, email me for details paushi9@aol.com