Aloe succotrina on Hoy Koppie

One of the coastal mountain fynbos sites where the bergaalwyn, i.e. Aloe succotrina, still thrives is the upper reaches of the well-known Hoy Koppie in the town of Hermanus.

Visited by strollers and inhabited by some hyrax or dassies that fertilise whatever grows among the rocks, the hill is a fynbos haven where this Aloe species can be admired. Hermanus and its surrounds are rich in opportunities for observing spectacular fynbos diversity. Not least of these places, the Hoy Koppie in town has a much valued and accessible bit of fynbos maintained for enjoyment by the municipality, respected by the citizens and visitors.

The bergaalwyn used to be common on Table Mountain, but not any longer (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; Van Wyk and Gericke, 2007; Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Reynolds, 1974; Jeppe, 1969; iNaturalist).