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Aloes growing in the Mediterranean Biome

Aloe

Gel from the leaves of this plant is thought to have healing properties and is used in cosmetics, herbal remedies and food supplements. It grows in the South Africa Exhibit in our Mediterranean Biome.

Botanical description

  • Scientific name: Aloe ferox
  • Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae (aloe)
  • Also known as: Cape aloe, Tapaalwyn (Afrikaans)

Succulent, stem up to 3.5m tall, in natural conditions clothed with dead leaves. Leaves smooth to spiny, arranged in rosettes of 50-60. Flowering structure (inflorescence) single spike, flowers scarlet to orange. Pollinated by birds and honeybees.

Explore the plant

Aloes growing in the Mediterranean Biome
1

The leaves are arranged in rosettes.

Spikes on an aloe ferox
2

The 'fierce' spikes give the plant its scientific name.

Tip of an aloe leaf
3

Gel is extracted from the leaves and used medicinally.

Orange flowering structure of an aloe
4

The flowering structure comprises many individual flowers.

Flowers on an aloe
5

Individual flowers on the flowering structure.

Facts

  • The scientific name refers to the spiky leaves: ferox means fierce in Latin.
  • Gel from leaves is used to soothe irritated skin, like its relative Aloe vera.
  • A hard resinous product extracted from this plant, known as Cape aloes or aloe lump, is used as a laxative (to make people need to go for a poo!) and to treat arthritis.
Close up of an aloe ferox

Where it grows

Native to the South African provinces of Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal. It grows on rocky hills, grassy fynbos and on the edges of the Karoo National Parks. Fynbos is Afrikaans for ‘fine bush’, which refers to the evergreen, fire-prone shrubs that live in the nutrient poor soil. This area of South Africa has one of the greatest varieties of plants on Earth and is botanically richer than the rainforest.

Glossary

  • Succulent: plant or plant part consisting of juicy flesh.

Shop for hair care

Lavender, lemon & aloe shampoo bar in a tin

£6.00

Lavender, lemon & aloe shampoo bar in a tin
Avocado, grapefruit & shea shampoo bar in a tin

£6.00

Avocado, grapefruit & shea shampoo bar in a tin
Olive, honey, rosemary & oats shampoo bar in a tin

£6.00

Olive, honey, rosemary & oats shampoo bar in a tin

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