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Medicinal Aloe

Scientific Name: Aloe vera (L.)Burm.f.
Synonym: Aloe barbadensis, Aloe barbadensis var. chinensis , Aloe chinensis, Aloe elongata, Aloe flava, Aloe indica, Aloe lanzae, Aloe perfoliata var. barbadensis , Aloe perfoliata var. vera , Aloe vera var. littoralis , Aloe vera var. wratislaviensis , Aloe vera var. lanzae , Aloe vera var. chinensis , Aloe vulgaris
Family: Asphodelaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 8,9,11-27
USDA: 9-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 23°F (-5°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands

Growth Habits: Clumping rosettes, each about 8 inches in diameter (20 cm).

Watering Needs: Drought resistant, but use moderate to regular water if you plan to use the plant for its gel.

Propagation: Offsets

The moist gel inside the Medicinal Aloe leaves is used to treat burns, including sunburns. Skin inflammation can occur in sensitive individuals. The gel is mildly toxic if ingested.
Several varieties of Aloe vera are available. The real Aloe vera has yellow flowers, and juvenile specimens have narrower leaves with lighter spots, while mature specimens have wider solid green leaves. Some of the Aloe vera sold retain the juvenile characteristics.

Aloe vera flower stalk

Blooming Habits:
The real Aloe vera has yellow flowers, but many of the clones available have orange flowers.

Culture:
Tolerates poor soil and drought, but requires excellent drainage. The offsets tend to become crowded, and some should be removed from time to time.

List of All the Plants | More in the Asphodelaceae family

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