Means “goddess” in ancient Sanskrit, for its reputed use as a beauty aid; some sources suggest that the name comes from Alloeh, meaning “shining bitter substance”
Nubian aloe is a native of Eritrea and Ethiopia. It has become naturalized in South Africa.
Identification: These aloes have a short stem and
reach 2-3′ (60-91 cm) in height and up to 2′ (60 cm) around. They often form colonies. Leaves
are dark green, with white flecks near the stem on the leaf undersides. Flower spikes
are densely covered with pale shades of pinkish to orange, opening to yellow. Flowers
may also be a uniform salmon orange color. They appear in April to May.