Description
Aloe maculata. Common Soap Aloe (e), Bontaalwyn (a), Icina (z), ingcelwane (x), lekhala (ss) A hardy, stemless small Aloe that that sometimes develops a stem of up to a metre. The broad, triangular, recurved leaves have strong, sharp teeth along the margin. They are covered in white spots and the tips become dry and shrivelled with age. It produces flowering heads of distinctively flat-topped racemes bearing masses of bright, uniformly coloured flowers, ranging from red and orange to yellow. Flowering time is variable, from Jan. to June up until Aug. and even Sep. An excellent addition to any garden for attracting nectar-feeding birds, especially sunbirds. Plant this Aloe in well-drained soil in either full sun or semi-shade. Used medicinally and as a protective charm against lightning. Size to 1m. Locality : Swellendam. Harvest: January 2021
