Page 21 - may2021

groups of plants. A. chabaudii is
found at elevations from 30 –
2100m and is very tolerant of a
wide range of habitats from dry
exposed granite slopes to shady
wooded slopes and is very versatile.
Flowering occurs in June and
July with flowers that are a
deep pink colour and are club-
shaped in appearance. The side
branches of the inflorescence
are borne horizontally.
Medicinally an infusion of the
leaves is used to kill external
parasites in poultry and cattle.

ALOE AFRICANA -
AFRICAN ALOE

A. Africana is a very attractive
single stemmed aloe that are
adapted to a wide range of
conditions. Reaching to a height
of 3m, A. Africana has graceful
grey-green leaves often more
than 50cm long, armed with
small reddish teeth. The dry
leaf remains persist below the
rosettes. A. Africana grows solitary
and flowers from mid- winter into
spring. The buds appear red
and uniform and turn yellow as
they open. The raceme (flower
cluster) is cylindrical unlike
other Aloes which taper to the
top. Medicinally the A. Africana
has several beneficial actions.
The sap of which contains
anthraquinones which are used
as a potent laxative and for dyes
and pigments, as well as other
medicinal purposes.
Ana Tree by Karin Duthie
Text & Photos by Karin Duthie