Aloe

Name
Common names are medicine plant, Barbados aloe, true aloe

Description
Aloe is a succulent that grows in clustering rosettes of stiff, upright leaves. The foliage is usually light green with white spots and turns grey as it matures.

Origin
Cape Verde, Canary Islands, Madeira and South Africa

Family
Liliaceae

Care Tips
It likes a sunny spot with dry air. Rarely attacked by pests. Water moderately in spring, summer and autumn; sparingly in winter. Feed once a month only in spring and summer. Avoid sogginess at all costs.

Trivia
Aloe is well known as a medicinal plant and is also used as a popular base for many cosmetic products. It releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night. For this reason it is ideal for the bedroom. This is a long-lasting plant that will benefit from a spell outdoors in a sunny, protected spot.

Interesting Fact
Aloe vera is native to the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. The old leaves of aloe plants yield a purple dye. Aloe ferox is currently being tested in South Africa as initial reports suggest that it could be a more effective herbal remedy than Aloe vera.


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