Aloe ferox Mill.
Cape Aloe / Bitter Aloe / Red Aloe
Cape Aloe is a tree-forming succulent native to the southern tip of Africa, commercially harvested for two distinct products: clear inner-leaf gel and the bitter latex exudate that dries into "Cape aloes" resin. Its grey-green leaves bear reddish-brown spines on both margins and the lower surface.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Solitary arborescent; single woody stem to 3 m topped by a dense terminal rosette. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). Populations stable; CITES Appendix II regulates international trade. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Sandy loam to rocky, very well-drained, slightly acid to neutral pH. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 50–100 cm, grey-green with reddish-brown marginal spines and extra spines on the lower surface — a diagnostic feature distinguishing it from A. arborescens. Surface has a glaucous, powdery bloom.
ecoErect woody trunk 2–3 m tall, persistently clothed in dried leaf remains on the lower portion. Trunk may reach 30 cm diameter in mature specimens.
ecoMulti-branched inflorescence (8–12 racemes) to 80 cm; tubular flowers red-orange above and yellowish at the base, blooming June–August (Southern Hemisphere), providing a critical nectar source for suricates and sunbirds.
ecoFibrous shallow root system adapted to thin rocky soils; no tuberous roots. Lateral roots spread widely to capture surface runoff.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy loam to rocky, very well-drained, slightly acid to neutral pH.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Collect seeds from ripe capsules of A. ferox (a 2–3 m plant that takes 10–15 years to mature) or purchase from a specialist nursery
- 2 Sow superficially on mineral substrate with good drainage (coarse sand + perlite); do not cover seeds
- 3 Keep at 22–26 °C in bright indirect light; keep substrate slightly moist during germination
- 4 Germination occurs in 2–4 weeks; transplant when seedlings are 3–4 cm, bearing in mind it will take years to reach adult size
- 1 A. ferox is a tree aloe of 2–3 m that rarely produces offsets; if one appears, wait until it is at least 10 cm tall with its own roots
- 2 Remove with a sharp, disinfected knife, cleanly separating from the mother rhizome
- 3 Allow the cut to callous for 3–5 days in a shaded, dry spot
- 4 Plant in a pot with very well-drained substrate; water after 2 weeks to encourage rooting
A. ferox is a giant aloe; outdoors it can reach 2–3 m, consider the space before planting
Planting in a small pot thinking it will stay compact; in the ground it can grow very large
Every 2–3 years when young; adult specimens in the ground do not require repotting.
Balanced succulent fertilizer once in spring and once at the start of summer; no fertilizer in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Inner gel has low human toxicity. The bitter latex (aloin) is toxic in large doses, causing severe gastrointestinal irritation; mildly toxic to dogs and cats (latex component). CITES Appendix II.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A. ferox yields two commercially distinct raw materials: the colourless inner gel (rich in acemannan) and the sub-epidermal bitter resin (concentrated aloin), historically exported as solid "Cape aloes" laxative. Its winter flowers are vital for suricates when other food sources are scarce."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.