Botanical Name: Aloe succotrina
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. succotrina
Habitat::
Aloe succotrina is naturally found on the Cape Peninsula, and as far as Mossel Bay to the east. This aloe is common in Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos vegetation, and typically grows high up on cliff faces and rocky outcrops where seasonal fires do not reach it. It is one of the few Aloes that naturally occur in fynbos habitats – along with the Fan Aloe and Aloiampelos commixta of Table Mountain.
Descriptiion:
Aloe succotrina is a succulent shrub that can grow up to 1.5 m tall, but usually only grows up to 1 m tall. The plant forms clusters of between 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft) diameter, with its leaves forming dense rosettes. In winter when it flowers (June to September) it produces a tall raceme, bearing shiny red flowers that are pollinated by sunbirds.Solitary specimens do occur, but this aloe is usually found in small to large, dense clumps. Plants are stemless when young, but branching in older specimens and are covered with the remains of older dried leaves. Stems are dichotomously branched and rebranched, forming impenetrable groups.
The stiff leaves form dense rosettes and are dull grey-green, with scattered spots. They have firm, triangular, white teeth along their margins, which become smaller towards the leaf base. The leaves are 500 × 100 mm and are ascending, curved and tapering. The purple colour of the old leaves is one of the characteristics of Aloe succotrina that helps to distinguish it between similar looking species.
Cultivation:
Aloe succotrina can easily be grown as an ornamental plant in Mediterranean climate gardens, rockeries, and in containers. It is particularly striking in winter, when it flowers. Western Cape gardens use it in Fynbos native plant themed natural landscaping. The plant prefers a sunny, well drained spot. Space should be provided for maturity, as it eventually grows into a large and dense cluster.
Edible Uses:
The flowers are sucked for their sweet nectar. In Japan the leaves are used as a vegetable and as a health food because they are thought to overcome constipation. Parts of the stem with a number of leaves attached are marketed as a vegetable.
Mediicinal Uses:
Its leaves contain active ingredients which have acknowledged effectiveness if applied locally on itchiness, insect bites, burns and dermatitis. … Additionally, this natural product helps accelerate wound healing: use is often recommended to treat wounds.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_succotrina#Distribution
http://pza.sanbi.org/aloe-succotrina
