Family Asphodelaceae
Aloe greatheadii var. davyana is a drab and uninteresting plant, but when it flowers in winter, it is spectacular. It is a plant that will cheer up any highveld garden in winter. 
Aloe greatheadii var. davyana is stemless and grows singularly or in groups of up to 15 plants. The succulent leaves are arranged in a basal rosette. The leaves range from triangular to lance-shaped, are often faintly striped above with oblong white spots arranged in more or less distinct bands but are unspotted below and usually a whitish green; margins are armed with sharp, dark brown teeth. In winter, the apical half of the leaf dies back and becomes twisted, leaving the remaining part almost square in shape.
The inflorescence can reach a height of up to 1.5 m high and has up to 6 branches. More than one inflorescence is often formed and up to seven have been counted on one plant alone. The flower colour ranges from pale pink to red. The species flowers in midwinter from June to July.
This species occurs in the Grassland and Bushveld Biomes. Aloe greatheadii var. davyana occurs in all the northern provinces of South Africa, including the Free State and northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and is very common in Gauteng. It often forms extensive stands in overgrazed areas.
Pollinators are bees and other birds. Seeds are dispersed by wind.
Uses and cultural aspects
Trails have shown that this species can be used successfully as a soil binder in disturbed areas such as mine dumps. The bitter sap in the leaves is used medicinally for the treatment of wounds, sores and burns.
