Aristaloe aristata bearing fruit

The long, narrow and long-stalked green and unripe Aristaloe aristata fruit capsules are erect and bunched torch-like on their sturdy peduncle, to be held firm until ripe. When the capsules dry out and open at the top, seeds will be spilt gradually, dispersed in accordance with the whims of the wind.

The three-sectioned fruit capsules resemble those found on lilies and aloes, among which Aristaloe used to be classified, their flowers and fruits structurally similar. This means that before the Aloe genus was moved into the Asphodelaceae family, it formed part of the Liliaceae. Now Aristaloe has been moved out of Aloe, but still resides in Asphodelaceae.

Some flowers of members of the Asphodelaceae family drop off without producing seed, while seed viability also varies. The three-chambered seed-vessel or capsule contains two upright columns of seeds in each chamber. The capsule is a development from the original carpel or female flower part. 

The many-leaved rosette on the ground is advantageously positioned for providing sustenance on this rocky and grassy slope near the Sani Pass. The very succulent leaves are pointed and white-tubercled (Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Reynolds, 1974; Jeppe, 1969; iNaturalist); http://redlist.sanbi.org).