Bitter aloe (Aloe ferox, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 22 (1768))

Family: Asphodelaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 22 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aloe

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Cape Prov. to Lesotho

Description

Bitter aloe, recognized by its scientific name Aloe ferox, is a striking succulent that has garnered attention both for its robust appearance and its medicinal properties. This plant was formally described in the Gardener’s Dictionary in its 8th edition, listed under the number 22 in the year 1768, with the renowned botanist Philip Miller accredited as the author.

Bitter aloe is predominantly found in the regions extending from the Cape Province to Lesotho, where it thrives in the arid and semi-arid environments that characterize this part of South Africa. As a member of the Asphodelaceae family, Aloe ferox is closely related to many other therapeutic and ornamental plants, known for their adaptability and distinctive biology.

The plant itself is characterized by a solitary, tall stem that can reach impressive heights, adorned with thick, fleshy leaves that are edged with formidable reddish-brown teeth. These leaves are coated with a potent bitter sap, which is the source of the plant’s common name. This sap has been traditionally and commercially exploited for its laxative properties and its uses in skincare, owing to its potent anti-inflammatory and healing qualities.

In its natural habitat, Bitter aloe is well-adapted to withstand the challenging conditions typical of its native range. It plays a crucial ecological role, offering a source of nourishment and habitat for a variety of wildlife. For instance, birds and insects are often seen interacting with the plant, especially during its flowering season when tall spikes of tubular, bright orange to red blooms emerge, adding a dramatic splash of color to the landscape.

Given its resilience and utility, Aloe ferox has been sustainably harvested and cultivated not only in its indigenous regions but also by enthusiasts around the world who appreciate its hardiness and health benefits. This remarkable plant, deeply rooted in traditional practices and modern horticulture, continues to be a vital part of the botanical and cultural heritage of Southern Africa.

Common Names

Eng: cape aloe, cape prickly aloe, bitter aloe, common aloe, cultivated aloe, medicinal aloe, new aloes, red aloe, tap aloe
Afr: kaapse aalwyn, bitteraalwyn
Spa: acibara, áloe del cabo
Fra: aloès du cap
Por: babosa
Swe: kapaloe
En: Bitter aloe, Cape aloe, Red aloe, Aloe, Lucid Aloe, Cape prickly aloe, Common aloe, Cultivated aloe, Medicinal aloe, New aloes, Tap aloe, Cape Aloë
Af: Kaapse aalwyn, Bitteraalwyn, Tapaalwyn
Az: Tikanlı əzvay
Zh: 好望角芦荟, 青鰐蘆薈, Luhui, Lui hui, Tou ming lu hui
Fi: Piikkiaaloe
Fr: Aloès du Cap, Aloè du Cap, Aloès amer, Aloé amère, Aloé du Cap, Aloé amer
De: Afrikanische Aloe, Berg-Aloe, Bitter-Aloe, Kap-Aloe
Hu: Szúrós aloé
Ga: Aló searbh
It: Aloë del Capo, Aloe
Pt: Babosa
Sr: Горка алоја
Es: Aloe, Acibara, Áloe del cabo, Aloe ferox, Acibar
Sv: Kapaloe
Zh-tw: 青鰐蘆薈
Te: చేదు కలబంద
Zh-hant: 好望角蘆薈
Ts: Mhangana
Xh: IKhala
Zu: InLaba

Synonyms

• Aloe horrida (Haw.)
• Aloe pseudoferox (Salm-Dyck)
• Aloe galpinii (Baker)
• Pachidendron pseudoferox ((Salm-Dyck) Haw.)
• Pachidendron supralaeve ((Haw.) Haw.)
• Aloe perfoliata var. ferox ((Mill.) Aiton)
• Aloe ferox var. subferox ((Spreng.) Baker)
• Aloe subferox (Spreng.)
• Pachidendron ferox ((Mill.) Haw.)
• Aloe ferox var. incurvata (Baker)
• Aloe supralaevis var. erythrocarpa (Baker)
• Busipho ferox ((Mill.) Salisb.)
• Aloe supralaevis (Haw.)
• Aloe ferox var. galpinii ((Baker) Reynolds)
• Aloe pallancae (Guillaumin)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Free State (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• France (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 10, 2020 by Pokotilo Olga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2021 by Kanaren Pieper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by Ruiz antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2020 by Pokotilo Olga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2020 by Cabaca Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 22, 2021 by llamas lucia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2022 by Barberà Pavia Irene (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Jessamine Taylor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Cristina Gosn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2020 by Cabaca Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 29, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2019 by romana Lisa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2021 by Kanaren Pieper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2020 by Phelelani Gawuza (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 28, 2020 by L’H (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2021 by Léa Bazin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2021 by Kanaren Pieper (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Celdran (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 18, 2021 by Montes Miguel (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2777789)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:529449-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aloe ferox Mill.)

Specifications

Growth