Common Name:

General Information

Aloe swynnertonii is a succulent, evergreen, perennial plant forming a single, compact rosette of spreading leaves that can be 35 - 75cm long. With age, the plant often slowly suckers to produce a small clump of rosettes[, ].
It is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

The plant is used as a fish poison[].
The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods of time, anthraquinones do have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs[]. Long term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential, and tumorigenic potential[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Mozambique.

Habitat

Montane grassland, often in the shelter of bushes at elevations from 800 - 1,800 metres, occasionally descending to 340 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants can tolerate at least light frosts[].
Succeeds in full sun and in light shade[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Aloe species follow the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants can fix carbon dioxide at night and photosynthesize with closed stomata during the day, thus minimizing water loss. This, plus their succulent leaves and stems, and the presence of a thick cuticle, makes them well adapted to dry conditions[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The distinctive constituents in Aloe leaves are phenolic compounds, including chromone, anthraquinone or anthrone derivatives. Some of the compounds are found in many species, whereas others occur in only a few[].

Other Uses

The plant is used in a mixture with other plants to kill pests in vegetable crops[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no specific information on this species - in general Aloes are sown in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm, shady position in standard seed trays. Germination takes about three weeks. Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand (1 - 2mm), keep moist. The seedlings can be planted out in individual bags or containers as soon as they are large enough to handle[].

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