Aloe ferox , commonly known as Cape Aloe or Bitter Aloe , has been used in traditional medicine for century and isone of the most widely used medicinal plants today . The bitter succus , found just beneath the cutis , has been collected as a renewable imagination . Additionally , the gelatin - like flesh inside the leaves is commonly used in cosmetics products and is reported to have injury - heal properties .
Aloe feroxMill .
Alligator Jaw Aloe , Bitter Aloe , Cape Aloe , Cape Prickly Aloe , Cultivated Aloe , Medicinal Aloe , New Aloe , Red Aloe , Tap Aloe
In cultivation, Riverside, California, United States. Photo by George Tabora. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Aloe perfoliatavar . ferox , Busipho ferox , Pachidendron ferox
Family : AsphodelaceaeSubfamily : AsphodeloideaeGenus : Aloe
The specific epithet " ferox " ( articulate FER - oks ) means " militant " and bring up to the needlelike fringy tooth of the leaves of this species .
In cultivation, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Robert Bass. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Aloe feroxis native toSouth Africa(Western Cape , Eastern Cape , and Free State ) and southernLesotho . It grows in rocky areas on hills and in grassy fynbos .
Aloe feroxis a tree - likesucculentwith an just , unbranching stem with persistent , down - curved dry leaves and a terminalrosetteof typically vertical to erect - spread leaves . This plant can grow up to 16.4 feet ( 5 m ) grandiloquent . The leaves are spear - shaped , shallowly carry , and have stalwart , deltoid , reddish to chocolate-brown - ruby tooth along the margin . They can measure up to 3.3 feet ( 1 meter ) long and 6 inches ( 15 cm ) wide . Typically , the folio are dull green , sometimes with a reddish mite , and may be either smooth or have on an irregular basis scattered spine on both surfaces .
During the winter and spring , Aloe feroxproduces a striking candelabrum - likeinflorescence , normally consisting of 5 to 8 branches that bear dense , cylindricalracemes . Each raceme can reach a length of 32 inch ( 80 centimeter ) and a diam of 4.8 inches ( 12 cm ) . The flowers range in color from orange red to orange or seldom whitened , and they have dark-brown to deep brownish inner section tips , value up to 13 inch ( 3.3 centimetre ) long . Oncepollinated , the bloom develop into politic , fleshy fruits that are green to red-faced - brown capsules containing numerous petite , dark seeds with papery wings . When good , the fruit dry out out and split open , unloose the seeds .
Baby plant. In habitat, Eden, Western Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byluanahorn. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Light : When growingAloe feroxindoors , rank it in a window with plenty of burnished collateral light . Rotate the pot once or twice a hebdomad to check all sides of the flora welcome equal lighting . Outdoors , the plant prefers easy shade , especially during the hottest theatrical role of the day .
filth : Great drain is essential for growing this flora because too much moisture for an extended period can cause ascendent rot . Use commercial-grade grunge for succulents , ormake your own well - draining mixture .
Temperature : When temperatures shift below 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) , it is time to institute this plant at heart . It tolerates heat fairly well but will not survive a hard hoarfrost . Aloe feroxgrows best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones9b to 11b , with mediocre minimal winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 ° atomic number 9 ( -3.9 to 10 ° C ) .
In habitat, Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byStephen Hardcastle. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Watering : This plant require steady watering but can endure drought conditions for shortsighted periods . Water profoundly , but only when the soil is altogether dry to the touch , and do not let water stand in the stem canker . dilute back onwateringduring the winter calendar month .
Fertilizing : Although it loosely does not expect fertilizer , Aloe feroxwill benefit from supernumerary nutrients . Use a water system - soluble plant food dilute to half the recommended strength .
repot : If planted in a toilet that is big enough , this plant can rest there for many year . Only repot as call for during the bound . Pick a pot that is one size larger and has drainage holes .
Flowers. In cultivation, Houston, Texas, United States. Photo by Jenn M. Smith. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Propagation : To propagateAloe ferox , polish off the offsets from a mature plant from later spring to other summer . It is also comfortable to pop out from seeds . For good results , sow the seeds during the strong month .
Learn more atHow to Grow and worry for Aloe .
Aloe feroxis non - toxic to people but is mild to moderately toxic to pets .
Sending up an inflorescence. In cultivation, Houston, Texas, United States. Photo by Jenn M. Smith. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
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Seed pods. In habitat, Haarwegskloof, Western Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byTony Rebelo. Licensed underCC BY-SA 4.0.
