The fan aloe - so-called because its strap-like leaves are arranged in two opposing rows to resemble an open fan - forms a unique and very striking plant, eventually capable of reaching 4m tall, but more commonly seen as a beautiful container plant or landscape centrepiece. The leaves are grey-green in colour, the flowers scarlet red, borne in single spikes in spring. Easily grown and tolerant of light frosts, it grows naturally in areas with regular rainfall, but can tolerate dry conditions.