Bitter aloe

Aloe ferox

Scientific name

Aloe ferox is a tall, single-stemmed aloe, that can grow to 10 feet (3.0 m) in height. Its leaves are thick and fleshy, arranged in rosettes, and have reddish-brown spines on the margins with smaller spines on the upper and lower surfaces. The leaf surfaces of young plants are covered in spines, however, as they get taller and less vulnerable to grazing, the leaves begin to lose most of their spines except for those along the leaf margins.

Aloe ferox plants are propagated mainly from seed and head cuttings, with plants sowed with approximately one meter separations. From seed, it takes about 4 to 5 years for the plants to reach the first harvest. At the time of harvest, each leaf weighs about 1.5 kg to 2 kg. Aloe ferox prefers dry-tropical climates, open areas, sandy-loamy soils, full sun, and moderate watering with a good drainage system.

Be aware that aloes will hybridise with any other aloe flowering at the same time.

IsiZulu: iNhlaba; Umhlaba | IsiXhosa: umhlaba; iKhala | Sesotho: Hlaba; Lekhala La Quthing | English: Bitter aloe | Afrikaans: Bitteraalwyn; Bergaalwyn

Propagation instructions

By seed

Aloe ferox may be grown from seed. Be aware that aloes will hybridise with any other aloe flowering at the same time. Sow seed in a well-drained medium in shallow trays and cover lightly with sand or the seed will blow away. Once the seeds begin to germinate, keep moist but watch out for overwatering as the seedlings could rot. Transplant into small pots or bags once they are about 4cm high (approximately 6 months).

References and further reading

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