Aloe ferox

November 14, 2009

Aloe When you say, almost everyone can think of aloe vera. Species which is zpropagovaný cosmetic companies so that other species, with the same, if not forgotten účinějšími substances. Maybe Vera has gained popularity thanks to his name, is such that it could be said to affectionate, apart from the name of Aloe ferox. That sounds hard to harshly. And no wonder. The name of this aloe refers to its very strong and strong spines on the leaves.

Occurs away from Swellendamské area to the west, in the dry parts of Western and Eastern Cape province and in southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Furthermore, there are several sites in southwest Lesotho and in remote locations south east Free State. It is common on rocky slopes of hills, the grassy plains, it grows in open country as well as in rocky areas up to 700 meters above sea level. Plants may vary from area to area due to local conditions in which to grow.

Adult plants reach a height of 2-3 meters, but are not old except specimens reaching up to five meters. . The leaves are arranged in a rosette, old leaves dries to remain on the trunk of the plant. The color is dark green leaves, greyish, sometimes with a slight bluish tinge. In the absence of water leaves get a red tinge. By showing stress as well as Gasteria or havorcie. Thorns are a reddish tinge, occur at the upper and lower leaf surface. Young plants tend to be very spiny. The massive inflorescence reminds candlestick shape with five to eight arms. The flowers are yellow color that changes from orange to bright red.

In South Africa's Aloe ferox source for the production of solid, dark-brown resinous material, which is subject to trade for centuries. It is part of various traditional medicines and is sold in powder form. This substance is used for stomach complications, mainly due to the laxative effects, but also as a drug that stimulates the appetite (also "amara"). Adds to the example, "the Swedish drops" and other similar products.

Growing in our conditions is not different from other succulents. Gross, intermittent growing medium, sunny sites and if you do not want to give you grew up too fast ferox and grout maintenance rather than hearty. On hot summer days will not harm the plant late afternoon splash. Wintering in a cool area with temperatures around 12 ° C without watering.

petrli