The growing power of aloe: South Africa's green gold

South Africa is home to more than 500 species of aloe, of which Aloe ferox, commonly known as bitter aloe or Cape aloe, has long been prized for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Unlike A. vera, which dominates global markets and is cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions, A. ferox is indigenous to South Africa and grows naturally across the semiarid regions of the Western and Eastern Cape.

- Andries Cronjé, managing director of Organic Aloe, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about South Africa's Aloe ferox, its uses, production differences from Aloe vera, market challenges, and opportunities to grow local value and jobs.

Although its production remains relatively small compared to the global aloe market, A. ferox continues to attract attention for its sustainability, drought tolerance, and potential contribution to rural development and job creation.

Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Andries Cronjé, managing director of Organic Aloe, says the industry stands at a critical juncture, one that requires collaboration, innovation, and value unlocking throughout the entire value chain.

"Aloe production can be divided into two components, namely Aloe vera, which is not indigenous to South Africa, and A. ferox, which is indigenous," he adds.

While A. vera is cultivated under irrigation in various parts of the world, A. ferox thrives in South Africa’s drier climates, particularly around Albertinia, and Mossel Bay along the Garden Route. These regions are known for their semiarid conditions, an environment where A. ferox not only survives but flourishes naturally.

The plant’s hardy nature allows it to withstand long dry spells, making it an ideal candidate for climate-resilient agriculture.

THE ANATOMY OF A RESILIENT PLANT

The A. ferox plant's thick, spiny leaves contain two valuable products: a bitter, yellow sap known as aloin, and a clear inner gel. The aloe is traditionally used as a natural laxative, while the gel is valued for its soothing, moisturising, and healing properties.

Farmers and harvesters, known locally as ‘tappers’, extract the sap by slicing the leaves, packing this into stawels, allowing the yellow bitter sap to drip to be collected when the process has stopped. On-farm processing often involves boiling the sap to produce a dark, crystalline resin used in a range of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications.