Aloe vera is the best-known species of its genus, which has been trending for many years. Like its peers, it has fleshy, smooth, glossy leaves that are used to make juice or gel for skin care.

Aloe vera is just one of 500 types of aloe

The term aloe vera (Latin true) used today can be traced back to the scientific description by Carl von Linné. Aloe vera is the name most of us are familiar with. A synonym and less known is the name Aloe barbadensis, which was later published by Philip Miller and therefore had to give precedence to the previously published name Aloe vera.

In common usage, aloe vera is often equated with the entire genus Aloe, although it is only one of the approximately 500 species within the genus Aloe. When talking about aloe vera species, we probably mean the large number of all aloe species, which include e.g. The following varieties growing as medicinal, useful or ornamental plants count:

  • aloe arborescent,
  • aloe ferox,
  • aloe haworthioides,
  • Aloe erinacea.

Appearance and growth of aloe vera plants

The fleshy, smooth, shiny leaves with thorny edges are usually arranged in basal rosettes on the trunk. The inflorescences grow laterally from the axillae and bear yellow, red or orange flowers. The aloe vera is about 40-50 cm high and just as wide, the blue-green colored leaves with pale green or white spots are between 30 and 60 cm long, tapering to a point.

Caring for aloe vera plants

Like all succulents, the real aloe has the ability to store water in its thick leaves, so that it can survive for a long time without adding water. The aloe vera loves light and warmth and is therefore well suited for the windowsill or in the conservatory on the south side. It is poured sparingly from below. To avoid waterlogging, ensure good drainage in the pot.

Use of aloe vera

Aloe vera is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. In the production of cosmetics, the plant is valued for its active ingredients that care for and regenerate the skin. However, it is also attributed all sorts of healing effects for various diseases of the digestive organs, so that it is becoming increasingly important in the food and dietary supplement industry. In this country it thrives as a perennial houseplant, which is also used for skin and hair care or can also help digestion.

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Most wild-growing aloe species are protected species by being included in the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Category:

Indoor plants