Kumara plicatilis, commonly known as Fan-Aloe, is an evergreen succulent plant native to the rocky outcrops and open scrublands of the Western Cape in South Africa. This unique plant may grow as a large multistemmed shrub or as a small tree, reaching heights of 3–5 meters (10–16 ft). Its most distinctive feature is the fan-like arrangement of its leaves, which are grey-green and arranged in a rosette. The trunk possesses corky, fire-resistant bark, an adaptation to its fire-prone native habitat, and the branches typically fork into pairs without a central leader. Flowering occurs at the end of winter (August to October), with the plant producing masses of bright pink, tubular flowers that are especially showy, creating a visual effect reminiscent of flames, hence the name Fan-Aloe.

Fan-Aloe is valued for its architectural form and striking flowers, making it a popular choice for drought-tolerant landscaping, rockeries, and as an accent plant in sunny gardens. It is also appreciated for its slow growth rate, which, while making it less competitive with faster-growing plants, can be an advantage in cultivation as it requires minimal maintenance. In cultivation, Fan-Aloe thrives in full sun, with very low water requirements, and prefers well-draining soils. It is not commonly afflicted by diseases, but gardeners should be cautious of overwatering, which can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0