This beginners' field guide introduces readers to some of the aloe species indigenous to (or naturalized in) southern Africa. Popular 'architectural plants', aloes are widely used in gardens across the country, and there is growing interest in their medicinal and commercial uses. In an introductory chapter, the author touches on aloe identification, their conservation status, growing and gardening with aloes and cosmetic and medicinal uses. Fifty species are described, each containing detailed information on plant characteristics, flower colour, distribution and notes on planting. Each species account is accompanied by a distribution map and a colour photograph for easy identification.