Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Information
Succulents

Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox

Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox; At The Phoenix Zoo, February 8, 2008

Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox; At The Phoenix Zoo, February 8, 2008

Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox; At Mayo Clinic Hospital, February 14, 2008

Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox; Over 15 Foot Tall Boyce Thompson Arboretum, October 11, 2006

Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox Flowers	Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox Flower
Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox Flowers	Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox Flower
Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox	Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox
Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox Thorns	Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox Thorn

Cape Aloe Aloe ferox, Asphodelaceae Family ( Asphodelaceae ) a subdivision of the Lily Family ( Liliaceae ), Cape Aloe. Also called: Bitter Aloe, Red Aloe, Tree Aloe, Tap Aloe. Cape Aloe normally will reach about 12 feet in height on an upright unbranched woody stem and it is crowned with a dense rosette of 50 - 60 three foot long thick, fleshy leaves creating approximately a 6 foot spread. The leaves have sharp reddish brown spines on the margins and smaller spines on their top and bottom surfaces. They are dull green, sometimes slightly blue, usually with a reddish tinge. Spines may also be present on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. The old leaves will remain after they have dried, forming a "skirt" on the stem. These may be trimmed to create a "tree trunk" appearance. The flowers are carried in a large candelabra - like flower - head. They have between five and eight branches, each carrying a spike-like head of many flowers. Flower color varies from yellow - orange to a bright red. Flowering occurs between January - March. Cape Aloe forms a beautiful display and it attracts many birds. Insects also visit the flowers which in turn brings yet more birds to your garden. Attracts hummingbirds. It is very pool friendly. Height: Height to about 12 feet. Spreading to about 6 feet. Flowers: Orange to a bright red tubular inch long flowers on a flower stalk with 5 to 10 branches held 2 - 4 feet above the leaves. On an inflorescence that is branched into 3 to 8 racemes, the racemes sre 8 inches to 16 inches in length. Flowers are 1 inch - 1 1/4 inch in length, tubular in shape and slightly upturned at the mouth. Blooming Time: January - March. Leaves: Smooth dull - green in color, with a reddish tinge and sharp reddish brown spines on the margins and with smaller spines on their top and bottom surfaces. Stems: Stem, with densely leaved rosette. Fruit: The fruit is a triangular capsule containing numerous seeds. Elevation: 0 - 4,800 Feet. Habitat: Sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil, dry rocky places and in scrub. Takes full sun. Best with some shade. A Xeriscape Landscape plant. Native to southern Africa, the Cape Verde Islands, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken At Boyce Thompson Arboretum, October 11, 2006. Phoenix Zoo, February 8, 2008.