Soap Aloe

Scientific name: Aloe maculata

INTRODUCTION

Salmon-red clusters of tubular flowers grace the tops of these spectacular succulents. Standing behind the brick walls of the school, the soap aloe surprised us with its bold combination of firework-resembling flowers and cactus leaves.

One of its common names, Zebra Aloe, refer to the light green “zebra” marks or stripes on its rich green leaves. The plant’s rosette, or the circular foundation of leaves, sits low on the ground but the stalks of the soap aloe rise more than a feet into the air. Though native to southern Africa, the soap aloe is now frequently cultivated in Arizona and California.