AGRICULTURAL NEWS - Bitter aloe (Aloe ferox) is a succulent belonging to the Aloaceae family. Originating in the Swellendam region, it is found throughout the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the south-eastern part of the Free State.
The species grows in a wide range of habitats: mountain slopes, rocky places and flat, open areas.
It shows remarkable adaptability to rainfall, flourishing in the extremely dry areas of the Karoo as well as the relatively wet eastern section of its distribution range.
It can reach between 2m and 3m in height. It has a robust, single, unbranched, woody stem, and a strong, adventitious root system.
The leaves, which are arranged in a rosette, are broad and dull to greyish green, but turn reddish in colour under drought stress. Dark-brown spines are present along the edges and sometimes on the upper and lower surface of the leaves.
