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Aloe ferox, also known as Cape Aloe,[1][2] Bitter Aloe,[1][3] Red Aloe[3] and Tap Aloe,[1] is a species of aloe indigenous to South Africa's Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Lesotho.[2][4]
Aloe ferox is listed on the plant list of endangered plants (CITES - Appendix II) along with other wild species of this genus.[citation needed]
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Aloe ferox can grow to 10 feet (3.0 m) in height, and can be found on rocky hills, in grassy fynbos and on the edges of the Karoo. The plants may differ physically from area to area due to local conditions.[3] Its leaves are thick and fleshy, arranged in rosettes, and have reddish-brown spines on the margins with smaller spines on the upper and lower surfaces. Its flowers are orange or red, and stand between 2 and 4 feet (0.61 and 1.2 m) above the leaves.[1]
Aloe ferox on the R61 route between Cofimvaba and Ngcobo.
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Aloe Ferox plants are propaged mainly from seed and head cuttings. The plants are sowed one meter apart from each other in rows and colums. It takes about 4 to 5 years for the plants to reach the first harvest, from the seed stage. At the time of harvest, each leaf weighs about 1.5 kg to 2 kg. Aloe Ferox prefers dry-tropical climates, open areas, sandy-loamy soils, full sun, and moderate watering with good drainage system.
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Its leaves contain two juices; the yellow bitter sap is used as a laxative, and the white aloe gel is used in health drinks and skin care products. The sap is toxic to pregnant and breast feeding mothers. [2]
The home remedies with Aloe ferox is same as that of with Aloe vera.
Cuts, wounds, burns, pimples and skin problems: apply the sap over the affected parts.
Spleen disorders: intake a table spoon gel with a pinch of turmeric, twice a day, one hour after food.
Indigestion, cancer, HIV/AIDS: intake a table spoon of fresh gel, twice a day, one hour after food.
Constipation: mix the spoonful of gel in a cup of lukewarm water and take it one hour after dinner.
Aloe ferox has less demand that than of Aloe vera. The products of Aloe ferox are merely confined to South Africa, United States and few European Countries. Asian markets are mainly dominted by Aloe vera products.
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Succulent plant
List of Aloe species
List of plants with edible leaves
List of plants used as medicine
List of Southern African indigenous trees and woody lianes
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Hide References
^ a b c d "Aloe ferox". Floridata. Retrieved 14 May 2009.
^ a b c "The Aloe ferox Plant". Aloe Ferox Africa. Retrieved 14 May 2009.
^ a b c "Aloe ferox Mill.". PlantzAfrica. Retrieved 14 May 2009.
^ "Aloe ferox, African Flowering Plants Database". South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 14 May 2009.
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