Aloe vera (L.) Burm.F

Family

Asphodelaceae

Synonyms

Aloe perfoliata L., Aloe barbadensis Miller.

Vernacular Names

Geographical Distributions

Aloe vera origin is unknown; some authors presume it to be from the Macronesian region, others prefer Arabia. At present, it is widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics. It was already common in India in the first Century AD. It is grown as a pot plant and ornament throughout Malaysia.

Description

Aloe vera is a perennial shrub, with very short stem, taproot 5-10 cm long with many secondary roots in the upper soil, freely suckering and forming dense groups.

There are about 16 leaves which are erect to slightly spreading, narrowly triangular, and measuring 40-50 cm x 6-7 cm. The upper surface is grey-green to pale green with few to many spots while the lower surface is generally lighter and the margin is with firm deltoid pale teeth of 2 mm long.

The inflorescence is simple or sparsely branched, 60-100 cm tall, with racemes measuring 30-40 cm x 5-6 cm and densely flowered. The flowers are with yellow, orange or red perianth, stiffly pendulous, anthers and exserted stigma.

Ecology / Cultivation

Aloe vera grows in a wide range of climatic conditions. Although the root system is shallow, it can be grown under dry conditions. Waterlogging should be avoided and it thrives best on well-drained and rich soils.

Line Drawing / Photograph

Read More

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  2) Medicinal Herbs

References

1. Plant resources of South-East Asia No.12(1): Medicinal and poisonous plants 1.