snake aloe

A. broomii is a robust plant with a short stem. It grows up to 1.5 metres high, including the inflorescence. It is usually a single-stemmed aloe, although it may split into groups with up to three 'rosettes'. The leaves of this plant are much like that of other aloes, with fleshy succulent leaves edged with small thorns. These thorns are very dark, compared to other species whose thorns are either green or white. The most notable feature of this plant is its odd inflorescence, where the flowers are hidden by the extended bracts, giving it a sinuous, snake-like appearance, hence its name.

This aloe is widespread in South Africa and Lesotho. In South Africa, it grows from Limpopo Province and Beaufort West in the Northern Cape to the Free State (which borders the land-locked enclave of Lesotho), and south and east to the Eastern Cape.

Like other aloes, this plant attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including insects such as bees, wasps and ants, and bird species such as sunbirds. Its seeds may be attacked by weevils.

This plant, like many other Aloe species such as the well-known Aloe vera, is held to have medicinal properties. Farmers use it as an disinfectant, an ear remedy for sheep, and a pesticide to purge ticks from livestock.

Like most Aloe species, this plant is a water-wise plant that may be used in xeriscaping. It grows well in well-drained soil and flourishes in full sun. This plant is propagated from seed.

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