Note: All
Aloe species in Namibia are protected species and should not be dug up
and moved without written permission from the authorities.
DESCRIPTIONEkundu is perennial with a short stem and rosette of 30 cm long leaves. Leaves are green with whitish streaks. This species only have thorns along the leaf edges while similar species have thorns along the midrib as well. The flower stem is up to 1 m high and branched with many red or yellow flowers. The individual flower are 3-4 cm long and have a characteristic swelling at the base.USEFlowers are boiled and eaten. They may also be boiled, dried and stored as omavanda like other Ombidi species. It is seldom mixed with other species.Ekundu is not evenly distributed in north central Namibia so many farmers do not have the chance to use ekundu. POTENTIAL FOR CULTIVATIONAloe species have little potential for cultivation. They are very drought resistant, but also slow growing and only the flowers are used as food.SIMILAR SPECIESEndombo, (Aloe sp.). Flowers do not have the swelling at the base, and leaves have rows of thorns along the midribs. There have been conflicting reports about the possible use of this similar Aloe species, but the work group concluded that Endombo is not considered an edible species in north central Namibia, as the flowers are very bitter. Endombo is mainly used by people who do not have access to Ekundu.
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