Description
Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The leaves contain significant amounts of the polysaccharide gel acemannan. Aloe skin contains aloin, which is toxic. Products made from Aloe vera usually only use the gel.
Family: Asphodelaceae | Genus: |
Common Name(s): Aloe vera | Mature Size: 60+ cm in height |
Origin: Arabian Peninsula | Dormancy: |
Flower Colours: Yellow | Bloom Season: Spring - Summer |
Sun Exposure: Full sun - Partial shade | Watering: “Soak and dry” method |
Temperatures: 13 - 27 °C | Toxic: Ingesting high doses of aloe latex or whole-leaf extract can be toxic while using small amounts of topical aloe vera is likely safe. |
