KWT #2: Aloe Aloe! – Goodbye Goodbye?
This cache is a replacement for a previous cache near here - GCA5EF7 KWT #2: Aloe Aloe! – which was hidden on 1/3/23 and archived on 22/7/25 after some 30 finds. It went missing whilst I was away from the country and I was unable to maintain it ‘within a reasonable period’.
This 2nd cache in the series is hidden alongside the walkway as it makes its way south towards Slangkop Point.
For access waypoints, see KWT #1: Die Kom(metjie).
The walkway in 2023
Along the walkway and particularly on the landward side you will note a dense growth of various species of coastal fynbos plants. These drought tolerant plants thrive here despite the harsh conditions at this exposed location, having to endure frequent strong winds, winter storms, intense summer heat, and limited rainfall.
Prominent and easily recognisable amongst these are clumps* of krantz, candelabra or torch aloes (Aloe arborescens) a flowering succulent perennial plant. The genus name aloe is from the Greek alsos and refers to the bitter leaf juice. The specifies name arborescens means 'tree-like'.
*January 2026 update: the dense stands of aloes (top photo) appear to have been removed from this area - but may well return with time. They are very common and may be seen in similar locations.
It is valued by gardeners for its easy propagation by cuttings, succulent green leaves, large beautiful, vibrantly-coloured flowers, winter blooming, and sweet nectar attraction for birds (especially sunbirds), bees, and butterflies.
It is a large, multi-headed, sprawling succulent which sometimes reaches tree size but typically 2-3m. It is endemic to the SE part of Southern Africa, including South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It bears dense rosettes of succulent, toothed, sword-shaped leaves, from which tall, torch-like red flowers appear during the cold winter months.
It has the 3rd largest distribution of any aloe and although it has adapted to many different habitats, its natural habitat usually consists of mountainous areas, including rocky outcrops and exposed ridges. Its common name krantz aloe refers to the Afrikaans word krans meaning rocky cliff. It is one of only a few species of aloe that is found growing from sea level up to the tops of mountains.
The aloe in Kirstenbosch
It is also widely distributed (to the point of becoming naturalized) in the western Mediterranean, Australia, California, Japan, South Korea and the Marshall Islands. It is an invasive species in Portugal.
There are over 350 aloe species and aborescens is one of approximately 130 native to southern Africa. It may be the most widely cultivated aloe in the world and was one of the first South African aloes collected and planted in the Company's Garden in Cape Town. It readily hybridises with other aloes.
Uses: It is traditionally planted around kraals (domestic stock enclosures) as a living fence or security hedge. Often the position of old kraals can still be seen long after they have been abandoned because the aloes persist. It is easily propagated by cuttings.
The Zulu use the leaves, dried and pounded into a powder, as a protection against storms. Leaf decoctions are also used in childbirth and in treating sick calves. In the Transkei it is used for stomach ache and given to chickens to prevent them getting sick.
In the Orient, it is grown in domestic gardens as a convenient first-aid treatment for burns and abrasions. In fact, it was only after it was used to treat irradiation burns of Hiroshima victims that its impressive healing properties received attention from the West.
Extracts from the leaves have since been widely investigated and show significant wound healing, anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and hypoglycaemic activity. The leaves also have purgative properties and the leaf sap relieves x-ray burns.
See short videos here (properties and benefits), here (description and medical uses) and here (how to make a soothing aloe drink).
