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Hills aflame with crimson flowers
Flowering aloes
Aloe ferox (bitter aloe) in flower.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
The Aloe ferox is among South Africa’s most important commercial medicinal plants.
In the middle of winter, in the coldest, bleakest time, flowers a plant that warms the view.
The Aloe ferox (also known as the red aloe or the bitter aloe) sends up its vivid orange-red inflorescences in midwinter, dripping with nectar just at the time the sunbirds and bees need it most.
These spectacular aloes have their stronghold in the Eastern Cape, but are also found in other provinces, notably the Western Cape. They love the drylands, and are found inland on mountains, in grasslands and the Karoo.
Sometimes they occur at a stately distance from 1 another. In other areas they cover the earth as thickly as porcupine quills. In winter, the vivid chilli red of their flowers can change the colour of entire hillsides.
Aloe ferox are generally single-stemmed, and are usually a little taller than a human, although they can grow up to 4m in height. Old, dried leaves cover the stems in a kind of protective brown skirt. The no-nonsense spiky thorns lining the fresh, new succulent leaves give them the name 'ferox' ('fierce' in Latin).
And it is within these fleshy leaves that the plant's medicinal magic lies. Cut open a leaf and almost immediately a bitter, yellowish liquid starts oozing out. For centuries this substance, which dries to a dark crystal, has been used as a laxative.
Now it has also been found to alleviate arthritis.
The white, gel-like flesh of the leaf is also healing, specifically for burns and other wounds. In fact, the medicinal uses of the aloe are legion.
It’s said the gel and sap can cure everything from dandruff, acne and osteoporosis to hepatitis, herpes, shingles and a dozen or more ailments. Studies have shown that its properties include an ability to boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and fight bacteria and fungus, and even tumours.
A sizable local health industry has sprung up around aloes. Albertinia has 2 aloe-based industries that make cosmetics and food products, and where you can see how the bitter sap is harvested.
And from Uniondale comes a health drink made from aloes (fortunately delicious rather than bitter).
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Aloe Ferox Wellness and Skincare Products
Tel: +27 (0)28 735 2504
Email: info@aloeferoxafrica.com
Alcare Aloe
Tel: +27 (0)28 735 1454
Fax: +27 (0)28 735 1728
African Aloe
Tel: +27 (0)44 752 1588
Fax: +27 (0)44 752 1493
Email: andre@africanaloe.co.za
How to get here
Aloe ferox are a true roadside attraction, and the N10 between Port Elizabeth and Cradock is 1 of the best places to see them. They are especially prolific between the little settlement of Middleton Manor and the town of Cookhouse. You could also turn onto the road to Bedford and continue from this picturesque little town on the R350 for more spectacular midwinter aloe blooms.
Albertinia is along the N2 highway and is about 360km from Cape Town (or about a 4-hour drive). If you’re coming from Port Elizabeth, it’s about 480km, or about a 5-hour drive.
Tours to do
The Albertinia aloe factories welcome visitors. They’ll demonstrate how the leaves are tapped for their liquid and you can wander around their aloe-filled gardens.
What will it cost
This is a spectacle that is absolutely free.
What to eat
At the aloe outlets in Albertinia (listed below), you can eat candied aloes – which are delicious. The African Aloe beverage is also very tasty (and healthy) and can be found in many health stores and delis.
What's happening
If you’re on your way to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in July, you’ll certainly see flowering aloes.
Best buys
At the aloe-product factories in Albertinia, there are stores where you can buy aloe cosmetics and health products directly, at very reasonable prices. Ask about their popular skincare ranges.