For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Fence Aloe (Aloe tenuior)
Family Asphodelaceae
Plants are small to medium-sized, sprawling shrublets up to 3 m tall, with leaves tufted at the ends of branches. The leaf margins have small teeth. Flowers are borne in slender, nodding racemes and may be red or yellow. Flowering occurs throughout the year, peaking from early to late winter (May to August in South Africa).
The flowers are visited by bees for their pollen and nectar. There are probably a variety of pollinators.
The leaves are used traditionally as a purgative and tapeworm remedy, while a bath taken in the foam of the leaves is believed to be a powerful charm to ensure good luck.
