| Aloe succotrina Fynbos aloe |
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|---|---|
| The Fynbos Aloe in flower in its natural habitat. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| clade: | Angiosperms |
| clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Xanthorrhoeaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Aloe |
| Species: | A. succotrina |
| Binomial name | |
| Aloe succotrina Lam. |
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| Aloe succotrina is restricted to the mountains of the Cape Peninsula, and the mountainous coast between Kogelberg and Hermanus. | |
Aloe succotrina, the Fynbos aloe, is an medicinal aloe which is endemic to Cape Town and the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa.
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Aloe succotrina is naturally found on the Cape Peninsula, and as far as Mossel Bay to the east. This aloe is common in Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos vegetation, and typically grows high up on cliff faces and rocky outcrops where seasonal fires do not reach it. It is one of the few Aloes that naturally occur in Fynbos habitats - along with the Fan Aloe and Aloe commixta of Table Mountain.
It is one of only two aloes, with Aloe commixta, that are indigenous to the city of Cape Town.
The Aloe succotrina plant forms clusters of between 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft) diameter, with its leaves forming dense rosettes. In winter when it flowers it produces a tall raceme, bearing shiny red flowers that are pollinated by sunbirds.
Aloe succotrina can easily be grown as an ornamental plant in Mediterranean climate gardens, rockeries, and in containers. It is particularly striking in winter, when it flowers. Western Cape gardens use it in Fynbos native plant themed natural landscaping. The plant prefers a sunny, well drained spot. Space should be provided for maturity, as it eventually grows into a large and dense cluster.
The Fynbos Aloe can be propagated both by cuttings/offshoots or by seed.
This species has uses as a medicinal plant[1]