While hiking at Anstey Hill Recreation Park, we were drawn to this candelabra aloe, also known as torch aloe or aloe arborescent. It's a stunning plant that can grow up to 2-3 meters high. Although it is part of the aloe vera family, its leaves have a unique shape. Like the aloe vera we have at home, this plant is also easy to maintain.
At Anstey Hill Recreational Park ruins area, we discovered the Candelabra Aloe plant, originating from Southern Africa, which possesses remarkable medicinal properties, particularly in healing external burns and wounds. In South Africa, these plants are frequently employed as living fences surrounding livestock enclosures due to their unmatched durability and resilience compared to traditional kraals. The plant features a solitary stem that towers over its green leaves, while its striking red flowers resemble candlesticks affixed to the apex of the stem, providing a breathtaking sight.
This plant is highly adaptable and can flourish as a border plant in garden beds, rock gardens, and pots or containers. Additionally, it boasts the valuable benefit of serving as a fire retardant in bushfire areas.
Knowing what is in our surroundings and understanding whether it is harmful or helpful can be incredibly valuable information for hikers or anyone who might become injured during a walk. Being aware of our environment can make our experiences safer and more enjoyable.