^{(Photograph = Black-eyed Bulbul on Aloe vryheidensis, Martin Heigan)}

Introduction

Pollination of aloes in their native range of Africa and adjoining areas is done by non-hovering birds

The Details

There are no hummingbirds pollinating aloes in Africa. The birds that drink nectar and transfer pollen from flower to flower are sunbirds, mousebirds, weavers, and bulbuls, etc.

Aloes have a bird pollination syndrome. Tubular and brightly colored flowers typify this syndrome. However, the flowers also produce lots of nectar, and the stamens are arranged to brush against the bird foreheads. Additionally, the flower stems provides convenient perches for the birds.

Additional Reading: Reproductive Biology of Aloe peglerae