Aloe thraskii, the dune aloe, grows close to the sea in southern KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape among the natural scrub on sandy soil. The downward leaf curvature on the long elegant leaves with their U-shaped, furrowed upper surfaces creates a stunning look, even when the yellow flower panicle is absent. Expect the flowers in winter.
These fruit capsules were photographed in August at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse where several impressive specimens adorn the garden. This Aloe withstands excessive watering better than many of the other species of the genus that may rot in the wet.