Aloe I

Description

Aloe I

By Marc Alexander from his ‘Flora Series’. Aloe I, oil on canvas, 80cm by 140cm, (2011).

Aloe I

Bitter aloe (Aloe ferox) is a succulent belonging to the Aloaceae family. Originating in the Swellendam region, it is found throughout the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the south-eastern part of the Free State. The species grows in a wide range of habitats: mountain slopes, rocky places and flat, open areas. It shows remarkable adaptability to rainfall, flourishing in the extremely dry areas of the Karoo as well as the relatively wet eastern section of its distribution range.

It can reach between 2m and 3m in height. It has a robust, single, unbranched, woody stem, and a strong, adventitious root system. The leaves, which are arranged in a rosette, are broad and dull to greyish green, but turn reddish in colour under drought stress. Dark-brown spines are present along the edges and sometimes on the upper and lower surface of the leaves. The old leaves remain on the plant after they have dried, forming a ‘petticoat’ on the stem. The flowering stalk has five to eight branches, each carrying a spike-like head of flowers. The flowers are usually bright orange-red, bright red or yellowish. A ferox flowers between autumn and winter (May and August), but this may be delayed until spring (September) in colder parts of the country. The leaves are the economically valuable part of the plant.

Archival Prints

Many of Marc’s artworks are available as fine art digital prints. Professionally photographed and printed on large format inkjet printers, these prints are limited edition numbered bottom left and signed bottom right. The paper used is 320g Hahnemuhle archival watercolour paper or Van Gogh cotton canvas. The process employs fade resistant, archival inks, which boast a 100+ year fade-proof guarantee.

These prints are also available in varying sizes. The paper prints are sold plastic wrapped on an acid-free foamcore backing board. The prints on canvas can be provided stretched or rolled in a core for easy transporting. The canvas print is treated with a high quality scratch resistant matt art-sealant. Directly behind the stretched canvas print is a fixed board which gives the frame rigidity, prevents warping and ensures the frame hangs flush against the wall. Large frames are cross braced to further prevent warping.