Common, variable South African single-stemmed tree aloe to 10 feet tall (or more). Winter flowers are exceptional: tall, dense racemes on multibranched inflorescences. They may be red, orange, yellow, rarely white. They attract bees and birds but are mostly pollinated by birds. The Natal form of this plant (described as A. candelabrum) has been subsumed into ferox.

Very easy to confuse with Aloe marlothii, and to a lesser extent africana, when not in flower. A. marlothii inflorescences usually have sideways branches and the flowers are always secund (oriented in one direction, usually up). A. ferox racemes are cylindrical and the flowers are arranged symmetrically all around the flower stem. The leaves on marlothii are usually spinier, and marlothii is usually bigger, but these features are not useful for a firm ID because both species are sufficiently variable to provide plenty of exceptions.

Once they reach a good size (3 gallon container) these plants can take day-long sun in mild climates. They will look and grow best with lots of sun. Leave the petticoat of dead leaves on the base of the plant for a more natural look. Remove dead inflorescences when they dry up and let go at the base.

Used to produce medicinal extracts derived from the juice from the leaves, which are said to have various curative properties.

Reply to this comment