Aloe is a species-rich genus of asparagus-like species whose origin is believed to be on the Arabian Peninsula. The plants have thick, water-retaining leaves with thorny edges, usually arranged in rosettes at the end of the stem or branch.

The tree aloe, aloe arborescens, is just one of 500 species of aloes

The genus has a total of around 500 species, most of which grow wild and are protected by the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Several aloe species are cultivated as houseplants in this country. The fleshy, smooth, shiny leaves and the flowers in yellow, red or orange are quite an attractive sight on the windowsill or in the conservatory. The most well-known type is the aloe vera - the real aloe.

The distribution areas of most aloe species are the tropical and subtropical regions of

  • Africa,
  • Central America and
  • Asia as well
  • in the Mediterranean,
  • in the Canary Islands and
  • in the Caribbean.

Aloe Vera (true aloe, also aloe barbadensis Miller, aloe vulgaris, aloe chinensis, etc.)

Aloe vera, also called desert lily, measures about 35-55 cm when fully grown. The lanceolate, 30-60 cm long leaves are blue-green in color and often have pale green or white spots. The edges of the leaves are studded with soft, reddish thorns. The orange or red tubular flowers appear on upright inflorescences between April and August.

Aloe Vera is used especially in the cosmetics industry because of its skin care and regenerating substances. But it is also said to have a healing effect on constipation and burns. The aloe vera trend, which has been going on for years, does not stop at food and everyday objects either. You can buy shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, but also yoghurt, panty liners or cotton buds with aloe vera.

Aloe arborescens (also tree aloe or everlasting aloe)

Aloe arborescens comes from South Africa and grows more like a shrub. Over time, the plant develops one or more stems, at the ends of which rosettes of leaves form. The trunk of a houseplant can reach a height of up to one and a half meters. Further side shoots form at the foot of the trunk, and the plant will sprout again after pruning.

Aloe ferox (also Cape Aloe or Wild Aloe)

Aloe ferox is native to the arid regions of South Africa. It grows as a simple trunk up to 3 meters high and sprawling. The leaves are about 80 cm long, dull green and covered with spines. Aloe ferox is said to be medically more effective and ecologically more tolerable, since it is not cultivated in monocultures on huge plantations and stimulated to grow faster by fertilizers.

tips and tricks

Already in the 2nd and 3rd millennium BC. The aloe was used in medicine and as an incense. In Egypt it was mixed with myrrh and used in embalming. Aloe wood was chewed for respiratory care in ancient times. Aloe has appeared in German pharmacopoeias since the 12th century.

Category:

Indoor plants