Aloe

• Aloe plants have fleshy, tapered leaves that grow from the stalk at ground level. The leaves contain a clear, thick gel that contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides. These substances reduce pain and inflammation and help heal injured skin, which is why aloe is used to treat burns and minor cuts. Aloe plants can grow up to 4 feet tall, but most plants are in the 28- to 36-inch range. In the spring, the plant produces a tubular yellow flower that resembles an Easter lily.
  
  

Asparagus Fern

• Although it looks like a fern, Sprenger's asparagus fern is actually a member of the lily family. This South African shrub can grow between 2 and 6 feet tall and has either upright or trailing branches. What appear to be needle-like leaves are really modified stem structures known as cladodes. The cladodes function like leaves. The actual leaves look like dry scales and aren't very noticeable. In the summer, asparagus ferns produce small pinkish-white flowers, followed by bunches of bright red, poisonous berries. The roots are very fleshy. Asparagus ferns are considered invasive plants in some parts of the United States.
  
  

Agapanthus

• Agapanthus have adapted to survive fires.agapanthus image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
  
  Agapanthus are one of the most recognizable garden plants in South Africa. They are sometimes placed in their own family group, but the United States Department of Agriculture places them in the lily family. In the wild, this plant tends to grow in the acidic, sandy soil of the Western Cape Province of Africa. Agapanthus have leaves that look like thick straps and open-faced flowers that range in color from light to deep blue. Occasionally, they produce white flowers. These plants have adapted to survive fires and produce new growth from their fleshy roots.
  
  

Blood Lily

• Blood lilies grow in the lowlands and savanna woodlands of southern Africa. It's also known as fireball lily because of its blossoms. A single stalk supports up to 200 blossoms that form a sphere that can be around 10 inches in diameter. Flower colors range from reddish pink to a bright red-orange and appear in mid to late spring. After the flowers die, the plant produces deep green, spoon-shaped leaves.