Aloe is a genus containing about four hundred species of flowering succulent plants resistant to drought. Most Aloes have a rosette of large, thick, fleshy leaves often with a sharp apex and a spiny margin. Aloe flowers are tubular, frequently yellow, orange or red and are borne on densely clustered, simple or branched leafless stems. The leaves may be grey to bright green in color and striped or mottled.

This aloe is most likely the common variety aloe vera, which is native to northern Africa and is widely found in the Mediterranean. However, it may also be a variety related to aloe saponaria with red flowers or the variegata. As I have several varieties in my Mediterranean garden, I am not sure which species these buds represent, but whichever it is, it is uniquely beautiful in its own right.

I was attracted to its shape, color and geometric like design. The original photograph was revamped in Photoshop to enhance the design of the buds and to create an abstract and whimsical effect. A black background was added for contrast.

The original 5 x 7 was sold but it is also available as ACEO 3.5 x 2.5 and OSWOA 4.x 6 size.