Aloes or alien invaders? Plant Martians spotted in Stilbaai
A Stilbaai resident captured a scene eerily reminiscent of Spielberg’s War of the Worlds. Ironically, the Cape aloe isn’t even an invasive alien plant species! Also read: 5 Stress-relieving plants to add to your indoor oasis Jan Vorster photographed five aloe feroxes emerging from the ocean on a beach in Stilbaai, looking either like humongous sand spiders or Martians about... Read more → The post Aloes or alien invaders? Plant Martians spotted in Stilbaai appeared first on CapeTown ETC.
A Stilbaai resident captured a scene eerily reminiscent of Spielberg’s War of the Worlds. Ironically, the Cape aloe isn’t even an invasive alien plant species!
Also read: 5 Stress-relieving plants to add to your indoor oasis
Jan Vorster photographed five aloe feroxes emerging from the ocean on a beach in Stilbaai, looking either like humongous sand spiders or Martians about to invade Earth.
Their long, spiny-edged leaves are plunged into the sand and look as if they are in forward motion, giving the plants a convincing appearance of walking on the shore.
The Cape aloe, also known as aloe ferox, bitter aloe, and red aloe, is one of the best-known South African plants with a long history of medicinal use.
Referring to its spiny-edged leaves, the word “ferox” means “fierce” or “warlike.” And while it certainly fits this description, the bitter aloe’s medicinal properties make it a species of healing, not warfare.
Thank you, Jan, for sharing this captivating image with Cape {town} Etc.
Also read:
Pictures: Jan Vorster / Facebook
The post Aloes or alien invaders? Plant Martians spotted in Stilbaai appeared first on CapeTown ETC.
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