Fynbos Aloe

Description:

Aloe succotrina, the Fynbos aloe, is an medicinal aloe which is endemic to Cape Town and the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa. The Aloe succotrina 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 it produces a tall raceme, bearing shiny red flowers that are pollinated by sunbirds.

Habitat:

loe 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 Aloe commixta of Table Mountain. It is one of only three aloes, with Aloe commixta and Aloe maculata, that are indigenous to the city of Cape Town.

Notes:

It was the first aloe from South Africa to be introduced into Europe. It flowered in Amsterdam in 1689. An illustration of Aloe succotrina first appeared in 1691 in Plukenet's "Phytographia" and shortly afterwards it was figured by Jan Monickx (1689-1690) in Commelin's "Hort. Amst" in 1697. Although it found its way to Europe so early, this aloe does not appear on the famous list of aloes cultivated in the Dutch East India Company's garden in 1695, drawn up by Oldenland, the superintendent at the time. Medicinal Uses: Used both internally and externally on humans, and is claimed to have some medicinal effects, which have been supported by scientific and medical research. Aloe is used externally to treat a number of skin irritations and good for natural acne treatment