Growing Aloe

Botanical Name:

Aloe Vera, Aloe Barbados

Common names:

Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Indian Aloe, Ghi Kunvar

Description:

Aloes are succulent plants belonging to the lily family, indigenous to East and South Africa. They have thick, fibrous roots and numerous, fleshy narrow leaves with toothy edges that protrude out from all sides of the root.

Life Cycle:

perennial

Exposure:

sun

Cultivation:

Aloe can be grown year-round in warm climates or indoors.

Propagation:

division and offsets

Parts Used:

leaves, roots

Harvesting and Storage:

Cut off leaves as needed and discard when finished.

Medicinal Uses:

Gel from the leaf blades can be applied directly to skin ulcers, burns, sunburns and fungal infections. Aloe is also used in veterinary medicine as an equine purgative. It is usually prescribed in combination with other herbal remedies to aid in digestive ailments.

Culinary Uses:

none

Other Uses:

decorative houseplant

Notes:

related species are used as antidotes to arrow poison.