ALOE

Aloe (Aloe or Aloe) is a genus that includes over 500 species of flowering, succulent plants.

The most widely known species is Aloe vera, so named because, although probably extinct in the wild, it is cultivated as the main source of so-called “true Aloe” for various medicinal purposes.

Other species, such as Aloe ferox, are also cultivated or collected from the wild for similar applications.

Most species of aloe have a rosette of large, thick, fleshy leaves. Aloe flowers are tubular, often yellow, orange, pink, or red, and heavy, clustered densely and pendulous, at the top simple or branched, leafless stem.

Many species of aloe appear to be sessile (without a pedicel), with the rosette growing directly at ground level, other varieties may have a branched or unbranched stem from which the fleshy leaves spring. They range in color from gray to bright green and are sometimes striped or spotted.

Some species of aloe native to South Africa are arboreal (tree-like).

Aloe species are often grown as ornamental plants, both in gardens and in pots.

Many species of aloe are highly ornamental and prized by succulent collectors.

Aloe vera has been used by humans both internally and externally and is said to have some medicinal effects, which have been supported by scientific and medical research.

They can also be made into special soap types.