Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: seekat-aalwyn, Van-Balen-se-aalwyn, octopus aloe, Van Balen's aloe, iLihlala, incenalamatshe

Family: Asphodelaceae

Distribution: KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Swaziland

Habitat: Exposed rocky outcrops in bushveld

National red list: Least Concern

Life form: Succulent plant

Comments: This species only occurs in a small area of north-eastern South Africa and Swaziland, where it grows in bushveld vegetation on rocky outcrops and exposed rocks. Its common name refers to its long, twisted and recurved leaves which resemble an octopus. The species name honours the former director of the Johannesburg parks and horticulturist, Jan C. van Balen.