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The Basutu aloe produces masses of delicate yellow, orange or red flowers, mostly from May to August |
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Pictures courtesy www.newplant.co.za
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 Basutu kraal aloe, Basotho Kraal Aalwyn, iKhalana - Aloe tenuior
This rambling aloe occurs naturally in grasslands and dry thickets thickets, from the Eastern Cape to southern Kwa-Zulu Natal. It is a semi-erect to rambling or shrublike aloe, consisting of several prostrate stems emerging from a central rootstock at ground level. The plants can reach up to 2m tall and can spread as wide. The name 'tenuior' indicates the thin stems that will take root along the part of the stem lying on the ground, forming large clumps. The flowering time is variable, but the masses of delicate yellow, orange or red flowers appear mostly from May to August. The fleshy leaves are greyish-green, often unevenly curving inward, with small soft teeth on the edges.
|  Aloe tenuior is particularly good to plant in dry shade under trees. It will attract sunbirds to the garden. In traditional medicine a decoction from the root has been used for treating tapeworm; also used in some way as a purgative.
The Basutu kraal aloe is fast growing and can be planted in full sun to light shade. It is tender to frost and requires well-drained soil; this will help to prevent stem rot. Although it can withstand dry conditions,it will perform better if watered during long dry spells. It responds well to pruning, which results in many flowering branches forming. It is really easy to propagate – just break off a branch and stick it straight into the soil.
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