Difference between revisions of "Aloe"

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{{Taxobox
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{{SPlantbox
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| color = lightgreen
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|familia=Asphodelaceae
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| name = ''Aloe''
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|genus=Aloe
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| image = Koeh-007.jpg
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|common_name=Aloe
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| image_width = 240px
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|habit=cacti-succulent
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| image_caption = ''Aloe succotrina''
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|lifespan=perennial
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| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
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|exposure=sun
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| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
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|water=moderate, dry
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| classis = [[Liliopsida]]
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|features=flowers, drought tolerant
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| ordo = [[Asparagales]]
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|flowers=red, orange, yellow
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| familia = [[Asphodelaceae]]
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|Temp Metric=°F
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| genus = '''''Aloe'''''
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|image=Aloe_saponaria_1.jpg
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| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
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|image_width=240
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| subdivision_ranks = Species
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|image_caption=''Aloe maculata'' (A. saponaria)
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| subdivision = See [[Aloe#Species|Species]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
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{{otheruses}}
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'''''Aloe''''', also written ''Aloë'', is a [[genus]] containing about four hundred [[species]] of [[flowering plants|flowering]] [[succulent plant|succulent]] [[plants]].  The most common and well known of these is ''[[Aloe vera]]'', or "true aloe".
  
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'''''Aloe''''', also written ''Aloë'', is a [[genus]] containing about four hundred [[species]] of [[flowering plants|flowering]] [[succulent plant|succulent]] [[plants]].
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The genus is native to [[Africa]], and is common in [[South Africa]]'s [[Cape Province]], the mountains of tropical Africa, and neighbouring areas such as [[Madagascar]], the [[Arabian peninsula]], and the islands off Africa.
  
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The genus is native to [[Africa]] and is common in [[South Africa]]'s [[Cape Province]] and the mountains of tropical Africa, and neighbouring areas such as [[Madagascar]], the [[Arabian peninsula]] and the islands off Africa.
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Most ''Aloe'' species have a [[rosette (botany)|rosette]] of large, thick, fleshy [[Leaf|leaves]]. The leaves are often lance-shaped with a sharp apex and a spiny margin. ''Aloe'' [[flower]]s are tubular, frequently yellow, pink or red and are borne on densely clustered, simple or branched leafless stems.
  
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The [[APG II system]] (2003) placed the genus in the family [[Asphodelaceae]]. In the past it has also been assigned to families [[Aloaceae]] and [[Liliaceae]]. Members of the closely allied genera ''[[Gasteria]]'', ''[[Haworthia]]'' and ''[[Kniphofia]]'' which have a similar mode of growth, are also popularly known as aloes. Note that the plant sometimes called "American aloe" (''[[Agave americana]]''), belongs to [[Agavaceae]], a different family.
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Many species of ''Aloe'' appear to be stemless, with the rosette growing directly at ground level;  other varieties may have a branched or unbranched [[plant stem|stem]] from which the fleshy leaves spring. They vary in colour from grey to bright-green and are sometimes striped or [[mottle]]d. Some ''Aloes'' native to South Africa are [[wiktionary:arborescent|arborescent]]. <ref> [http://www.superstock.com/stock-photography/Aloe/Tree Images of aloe trees.] </ref>
  
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Most Aloes have a rosette of large, thick, fleshy [[Leaf|leaves]]. The leaves are often lance-shaped with a sharp apex and a spiny margin. Aloe [[flower]]s are tubular, frequently yellow, orange or red and are borne on densely clustered, simple or branched leafless stems.  
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{{Inc|
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Aloe (Arabic name). Liliaceae, tribe Aloineae. Acaulescent or variously caulescent perennial succulents.
  
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Many species of Aloe are seemingly stemless, with the rosette growing directly at ground level;  other varieties may have a branched or un-branched [[plant stem|stem]] from which the fleshy leaves spring. They vary in colour from grey to bright green and are sometimes striped or mottled.
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Leaves often large, usually crowded in rosettes or along end of st.: fls. red or yellow, often paler-striped, straight, tubular (Fig. 169), with short straight limb, equaled or surpassed by the stamens.—Afr., especially in the Cape region, 1 species about the Medit. and extensively naturalized in all warmer parts of the world, and 1 in China. Plants of the coolhouse, best planted out in a well-drained place in summer, when they flower prettily.
  
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==Uses==
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The generic or scientific name Aloe is a Latinized form of an Arabic name. As an English word it is pronounced in two syllables, thus Al-oe. Popularly this word is loosely used, the common American aloe being Agave americana, the commonest &quot;century plant.&quot; The &quot;bitter aloes&quot; of commerce is a resinous juice much used as a laxative. The best quality is called &quot;Socotrine or Zanzibar aloes,&quot; a product of A. Perryi, which was known by the Greeks of the fourth century B.C. to come from the island of Socotra. The &quot;Barbadoes aloes&quot; is the product of planted in the West Indies. Genera allied to Aloe are Apicra, Gasteria, Haworthia, Pachidendron, and Phylloma. The group is difficult for the botanist, there being few authentic specimens in the herbaria, because of the large size of the plants, the infrequent flowering, and the difficulty of suitably drying them. Monograph by Alwin Berger in Das Pflanzenreich, 1908, hft.33.
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{{Not verified|date=February 2007}}
 
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''Aloe'' species are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants both in gardens and in pots. Many ''Aloe'' species are highly decorative and are valued by collectors of succulents. Some species, in particular ''[[Aloe vera]]'' are purported to have medicinal properties.  
 
  
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Other use of Aloes include their role in [[alternative medicine]]s (see [[Herbalism]]) and in home first aid. Both the translucent inner pulp as well as the resinous yellow exudate from wounding the Aloe plant is used ''externally'' to relieve skin discomforts and ''internally'' as a laxative. To date, some research has shown that Aloe vera produces positive medicinal benefits for healing damaged skin. Conversely, other research suggests Aloe vera can negatively effect healing (Vogler and Ernst, 1999).  
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Propagation is by seed, which usually is not true to name, and by suckers or cuttings well dried-off. Branching for this purpose may be induced by searing the crown of old plants. Hybrids between the different species and with related genera are easily secured and interesting.
  
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Some Aloe species have also been used for human consumption. For example, drinks made from or containing chunks of aloe pulp are popular in Asia as commercial beverages and as a tea additive; this is notably true in [[Korea]].  
+
Aloes are much cultivated as decorative plants, being amongst the most popular of desert and succulent plants for their stiff, harsh and rugged habit. Fig. 170. They are often grouped about large public buildings, where they emphasize certain architectural features. Large collections are to be seen only in botanic  gardens and in the collections of a few fanciers. The largest dealer has nearly one hundred kinds, but grows only five or six kinds in quantity.
  
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===External uses===
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Old plants of Aloe will keep healthy for several years in the same pots without a renewal of soil, and flower freely at the same time. The soil most suited to their needs is sandy loam three parts, lime rubble and broken brick one part, with a little decayed manure to strengthen the mixture. Very firm potting is necessary. Drainage is a more important item than soil, and must be perfectly arranged to enable the surplus water to run freely from the soil. Broken bricks are preferable to pieces of pots, large pieces for the bottom of the pot or tub, and smaller pieces above, till the last layer is quite fine. Some of the species need freer rooting conditions than others. A. ciliaris will grow from 5 to 7 feet in a season. A. abyssinica is of robust growth, and differs from most others in the color of the flowers, which are pure yellow, the others being mostly orange and orange-scarlet. A.plicatilis makes an ornamental tub plant when 4 or 5 feet high. Except during the period in which the species are in active growth, they need very little water, the principal idea being to keep the soil sweet and porous even when in growth. At all times the air of the house should be as dry as possible, full sunshine not hurting them. Propagation is by seeds, suckers and cuttings. The arborescent kinds should be rooted after they have completed growth. Dust over the cut part of the cutting with powdered charcoal and dry in sunshine before putting it in to root. Insert singly in as small pots as they will go into, and plunge in a sand-bed. Very little moisture is necessary while rooting.
 +
}}
  
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Various extracts of ''Aloe vera'' are frequently used in herbal medicine and by cosmetic companies. For more information see: ''[[Aloe vera]]''.
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==Cultivation==
  
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=== Internal uses ===
 
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[[image:Aloe_vossii_-_plant_(aka).jpg|right|thumb|200px|''[[Aloe vossii]]'']] 
 
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Aloe contains a number of medicinal substances used as a [[purgative]].  The medicinal substance is produced from various species of aloe, such as ''A. vera'', ''A. vulgaris'', ''A. socotrina'', ''A. chinensis'', and ''A. perryi''.  Several kinds of aloes are commercially available: Barbadoes, Socotrine, Hepatic, Indian, and Cape aloes.  Barbadoes and Socotrine are the varieties most commonly used for curative purposes {{Fact|date=February 2007}}.
 
  
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Aloes is the expressed juice of the leaves of the plant.  When the leaves are cut, the juice that flows out is collected and evaporated.  After the juice has been removed, the leaves are sometimes boiled to yield an inferior kind of aloes. The juice of the leaves of certain species, e.g. ''Aloe venenosa'', is [[poison]]ous.
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===Propagation===
  
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<!--Aloe's benefits include ingesting aloe juice to lower blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.{{citeneeded}}-->
 
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There have been very few properly conducted studies about possible benefits of aloe gel taken internally. One study found improved wound healing in mice. Another found a positive effect of lowering risk factors in patients with heart disease. Some research has shown decreasing fasting blood sugar in diabetic animals given aloe [http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/aloe.html]. None of these studies can be considered to be definitive, and there are many false advertising claims for aloe.
 
  
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Aloe has been marketed as a remedy for coughs, wounds, [[ulcer]]s, [[gastritis]], [[diabetes]], [[cancer]], [[headache]]s, [[arthritis]], [[immune-system deficiencies]], and many other conditions when taken internally.  However, these uses are unsubstantiated; the only substantiated internal use is as a [[laxative]].  Furthermore, there is evidence of potential adverse side effects (for example, acute [[hepatitis]]<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15633238 Acute hepatitis induced by an Aloe vera preparation: a case report]</ref>). Although some studies suggest that certain components of aloe such as aloe-emodin have genotoxic activity, human clinical trials and rodent carcinogenicity studies do not substantiate a genotoxic risk to humans when aloe products are consumed as directed{{cite journal |author=Brusick D, Mengs U |title=Assessment of the genotoxic risk from laxative senna products |journal=Environ Mol Mutagen |volume=29 |issue=1 |pages=1-9 |year=1997 |id=PMID 9020301}}.  Consult your doctor when contemplating taking Aloe internally. Avoid use during pregnancy because the [[anthraquinone]] [[glycoside]]s are strongly [[purgative]]. High doses of the leaves can cause vomiting.
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===Pests and diseases===
  
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On 9 May 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule banning the use of aloe and [[Rhamnus purshiana|cascara sagrada]] as laxative ingredients in over-the-counter drug products[http://www.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/articleview.asp?a=2360].
 
  
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In [[homeopathy|homeopathic medicine]] aloe is used for hemorrhoids<ref>{{cite book
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==Varieties==
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| last = Morrsion, MD
 
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| first = Roger
 
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| title = Desktop guide to keynotes and comfirmatory symptoms
 
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| publisher =Hahnemann Clinic Publishing
 
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| date = 1993
 
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| location =Grass Valley, CA
 
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| ISBN =0-9635368-0-X}}
 
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</ref>.
 
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== References ==
 
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  {{reflist}}
 
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==Heraldry==
 
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The aloe plant (''A. rubrolutea'') occurs as a charge in [[heraldry]], such as in the Civic Heraldry of Namibia [http://www.ngw.nl/int/afr/windhoek.htm]
 
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==Species==
 
 
There are around 400 species in the genus ''Aloe''. For a full list, see [[List of species of genus Aloe]]. Species include:
 
There are around 400 species in the genus ''Aloe''. For a full list, see [[List of species of genus Aloe]]. Species include:
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*''[[Aloe arborescens]]'' - Aloe Arborescens Miller, used in healthcare
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* ''[[Aloe vera]]'' - used in healthcare & health products
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*''[[Aloe aristata]]'' - Torch Plant, Lace Aloe
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* ''[[Aloe arborescens]]'' - used in healthcare
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*''[[Aloe dichotoma]]'' - quiver tree or kokerboom
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* ''[[Aloe aristata]]'' - Torch Plant, Lace ''Aloe''
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*''[[Aloe ngobitensis]]''
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* ''[[Aloe dichotoma]]'' - quiver tree or kokerboom
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*''[[Aloe variegata]]'' - Partridge-breasted Aloe, Tiger Aloe
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* ''[[Aloe nyeriensis]]''
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*''[[Aloe vera]]'' Barbados Aloe, Common Aloe, Yellow Aloe, Medicinal Aloe. This is the variety used medicinally.
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* ''[[Aloe variegata]]'' - Partridge-breasted ''Aloe'', Tiger ''Aloe''
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*''[[Aloe wildii]]''
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* ''[[Aloe barbadensis]]'' - Barbados ''Aloe'', Common ''Aloe'', Yellow ''Aloe'', Medicinal ''Aloe''. This is an older name for Aloe vera.
 +
* ''[[Aloe wildii]]''
  
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==References==
+
The [[APG II system]] (2003) placed the genus in the family [[Asphodelaceae]]. In the past it has also been assigned to families [[Aloaceae]] and [[Liliaceae]] or lilly family. Members of the closely allied genera ''[[Gasteria]]'', ''[[Haworthia]]'' and ''[[Kniphofia]]'', which have a similar mode of growth, are also popularly known as aloes. Note that the plant sometimes called American aloe (''[[Agave americana]]'') belongs to [[Agavaceae]], a different family.
−
<references/>
 
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*Schmidt JM, Greenspoon JS (1991) Aloe vera dermal wound gel is associated with a delay in wound healing. ''Obstet Gynecol'' 1: 115-117.
 
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*Vogler BK, Ernst E (1999) Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness ''British Journal of General Practice'' 49: 823-828.
 
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*International Aloe Science Council:  http://www.iasc.org/aloe.html
 
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*University of Maryland Medical Center: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/Aloech.html
 
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*Craig, Winston. The All-purpose Gel. ''Vibrant Life'' July 2001.
 
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*Farrar, Maureen Meyers. Skin Deep. ''Better Nutrition'' July 2005.
 
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*''British Journal of General Practice'', October 1999
 
  
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==Links==
+
{{Inc|
−
[[List of Southern African indigenous trees]]
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-A. Cameronii. Hemal. Fls. almost cinnabar-red, passing into yellow toward the top. E. Trop. Air.
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—A. Campylosiphon, A. Berger. Pale yellow us. E. Trop. Afr.
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==External links==
+
—A. Chabaudii, Schoenl. Allied to A. stricta. Lvs. bordered with small prickles; outer segms. of fls. pale brick-red with whitish wings at apex. Trop. Afr.
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{{commons|Aloe}}
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—A. decora, Schoenl. A dwarf species having red fls. tipped with green. S. Afr.
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*[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=101163 Flora of North America: ''Aloe'']
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—A. Lastii. Baker. Fls. pale yellow, greenish at top. Zanzibar.—A. laxiflóra, Hort. Very lax arrangement of fls. which are orange-red in lower part and yellow at apex. Cape Colony.
 +
—A. Marlothii, A. Berger. Extremely spiny lvs. and nearly horizontally spreading fl.-spikes. British Bechuanaland.
 +
—A. Orpenae, Schoenl. Lvs. lined with white spots and markings on both surfaces: fls. red, tipped with white. S. Afr.
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—A. pallidiflora, A. Berger. A stemless plant: lvs. armed on margins with sharp spines: fls. pale flesh-color. 3. Afr.
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—A. pendent. A shrubby species: fls. drooping, dull yellowish red. S. Arabia.
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—A. rubrolutea, Schini. Unbranched st. 8 ft. high or more: lvs. armed or margins with brown deltoid and somewhat hooked spines: fls. bright red. Trop. S. W. Afr.
 +
}}
  
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==Images==
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==Gallery==
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<gallery>
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<gallery perrow=5>
 +
File:Split Aloe.jpg|Aloe gel inside leaf
 +
Image:Aloe arborescens-IMG 7938.JPG|[[Aloe arborescens]]
 
Image:Babosa1.jpg|''[[Aloe arborescens]]''
 
Image:Babosa1.jpg|''[[Aloe arborescens]]''
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Image:Aloe_aculeata-IMG_0283_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe aculeata''
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Image:Aloe_aristata-IMG_0379_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe aristata''
 
Image:Aloe aristata.jpg|''[[Aloe aristata]]''
 
Image:Aloe aristata.jpg|''[[Aloe aristata]]''
 +
Image:Aloe_bainesii-IMG_0239_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe bainesii''
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Image:Aloe_bainesii-IMG_0261_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe bainesii''
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Image:Aloe_bainesii-IMG_0262_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe bainesii''
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Image:Aloe_berhana-IMG_0376_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe berhana''
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Image:Aloe_brevifolia-var._depressa-IMG_0323_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe brevifolia'' var. depressa
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Image:Aloe_brevifolia-var._postgenita-IMG_0313_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe brevifolia'' var. postgenita
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Image:Aloe_bussei-IMG_0333_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe bussei''
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Image:Aloe_cameronii-IMG_0279_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe cameronii''
 
Image:Köcherbaum_Köcherbaumwald_01.JPG|''[[Aloe dichotoma]]''
 
Image:Köcherbaum_Köcherbaumwald_01.JPG|''[[Aloe dichotoma]]''
 +
Image:Aloe_framesii-IMG_0341_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe framesii''
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Image:Aloe_framesii-IMG_0342_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe framesii''
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Image:Aloe_glauca-IMG_0290_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe glauca''
 
Image:Aloe_hereroensis_Auob_C15.JPG|''[[Aloe hereroensis]]''
 
Image:Aloe_hereroensis_Auob_C15.JPG|''[[Aloe hereroensis]]''
 
Image:Aloe_parvula.JPG|''[[Aloe parvula]]''
 
Image:Aloe_parvula.JPG|''[[Aloe parvula]]''
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Image:Aloe_petricola-IMG_0265_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe petricola''
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Image:Aloe_petricola-IMG_0286_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe petricola''
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Image:Aloe_plicatilis-IMG_0384_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe plicatilis''
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Image:Aloe_plicatilis-IMG_8052_sfbg0308.jpg|''Aloe plicatilis''
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Image:Aloe_polyphylla-spiral_aloe-IMG_7632_sfbg0308.jpg|''Aloe polyphylla'' spiral aloe
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Image:Aloe_rubroviolacea-IMG_0348_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe rubroviolacea''
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Image:Aloe_saponaria-IMG_0343_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe saponaria''
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Image:Aloe_saponaria-IMG_0344_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe saponaria''
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Image:Aloe_saponaria-IMG_8034_sfbg0308.jpg|''Aloe saponaria''
 
Image:Aloe_saponaria_1.jpg|''[[Aloe saponaria]]''
 
Image:Aloe_saponaria_1.jpg|''[[Aloe saponaria]]''
 
Image:Aloe_saponaria_3.jpg|''[[Aloe saponaria]]'' flower
 
Image:Aloe_saponaria_3.jpg|''[[Aloe saponaria]]'' flower
 +
Image:Aloe_sinkatana-IMG_0338_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe sinkatana''
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Image:Aloe_striata-coral_aloe-IMG_0300_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe striata'' coral aloe
 
Image:Aloe_striatula_1.jpg|''[[Aloe striatula]]''
 
Image:Aloe_striatula_1.jpg|''[[Aloe striatula]]''
 +
Image:Aloe_succotrina-IMG_7963_sfbg0308.jpg|''Aloe succotrina''
 +
Image:Aloe_swynnertonii-IMG_7958_sfbg0308.jpg|''Aloe swynnertonii''
 +
Image:Aloe-x-commutata-IMG_0359_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe x commutata''
 +
Image:Aloe-x-principis-IMG_0302_hunt07.jpg|''Aloe x principis''
 
Image:Aloes on N6 Route.jpg|''[[Aloe - unidentified]]''
 
Image:Aloes on N6 Route.jpg|''[[Aloe - unidentified]]''
 +
Image:Babosa1.jpg|''[[Aloe arborescens]]''
 +
Image:Aloe aristata.jpg|''[[Aloe aristata]]''
 +
Image:Köcherbaum_Köcherbaumwald_01.JPG|''[[Aloe dichotoma]]''
 +
Image:Aloe_hereroensis_Auob_C15.JPG|''[[Aloe hereroensis]]''
 +
Image:Aloe_parvula.JPG|''[[Aloe parvula]]''
 +
Image:Aloe peglerae01.jpg|''[[Aloe peglerae]]''
 +
Image:Aloe_saponaria_3.jpg|''[[Aloe maculata]]'' flower
 +
Image:Aloe_sophie_plant_and_flowers.jpg|''[[Aloe sophie]]''
 +
Image:AloeSpeciosa.jpg|''[[Aloe speciosa]]''
 +
Image:Aloe_striatula_1.jpg|''[[Aloe striatula]]''
 +
Image:Aloe_rauhii.jpg|''[[Aloe rauhii]]
 +
File:Aloe vossii - plant (aka).jpg|Aloe vossii
 +
</gallery>
  
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</gallery>
+
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
*[[Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture]], by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963
 +
<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->
 +
<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->
 +
<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->
 +
 
 +
==External links==
 +
*{{wplink}}
  
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[[Category:Asparagales]]
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{{stub}}
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[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
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__NOTOC__
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[[Category:Laxatives]]
 
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[[Category:Cosmetic chemicals]]
 

Latest revision as of 19:08, 12 January 2010


Aloe maculata (A. saponaria)


Plant Characteristics
Habit   cacti-succulent

Lifespan: ⌛ perennial
Cultivation
Exposure: ☼ sun
Water: ◍ moderate, dry
Features: ✓ flowers, drought tolerant
Flower features: ❀ red, orange, yellow
Scientific Names

Asphodelaceae >

Aloe >


Aloe, also written Aloë, is a genus containing about four hundred species of flowering succulent plants. The most common and well known of these is Aloe vera, or "true aloe".

The genus is native to Africa, and is common in South Africa's Cape Province, the mountains of tropical Africa, and neighbouring areas such as Madagascar, the Arabian peninsula, and the islands off Africa.

Most Aloe species have a rosette of large, thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are often lance-shaped with a sharp apex and a spiny margin. Aloe flowers are tubular, frequently yellow, pink or red and are borne on densely clustered, simple or branched leafless stems.

Many species of Aloe appear to be stemless, with the rosette growing directly at ground level; other varieties may have a branched or unbranched stem from which the fleshy leaves spring. They vary in colour from grey to bright-green and are sometimes striped or mottled. Some Aloes native to South Africa are arborescent. [1]


Read about Aloe in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Aloe (Arabic name). Liliaceae, tribe Aloineae. Acaulescent or variously caulescent perennial succulents.

Leaves often large, usually crowded in rosettes or along end of st.: fls. red or yellow, often paler-striped, straight, tubular (Fig. 169), with short straight limb, equaled or surpassed by the stamens.—Afr., especially in the Cape region, 1 species about the Medit. and extensively naturalized in all warmer parts of the world, and 1 in China. Plants of the coolhouse, best planted out in a well-drained place in summer, when they flower prettily.

The generic or scientific name Aloe is a Latinized form of an Arabic name. As an English word it is pronounced in two syllables, thus Al-oe. Popularly this word is loosely used, the common American aloe being Agave americana, the commonest "century plant." The "bitter aloes" of commerce is a resinous juice much used as a laxative. The best quality is called "Socotrine or Zanzibar aloes," a product of A. Perryi, which was known by the Greeks of the fourth century B.C. to come from the island of Socotra. The "Barbadoes aloes" is the product of planted in the West Indies. Genera allied to Aloe are Apicra, Gasteria, Haworthia, Pachidendron, and Phylloma. The group is difficult for the botanist, there being few authentic specimens in the herbaria, because of the large size of the plants, the infrequent flowering, and the difficulty of suitably drying them. Monograph by Alwin Berger in Das Pflanzenreich, 1908, hft.33.

Propagation is by seed, which usually is not true to name, and by suckers or cuttings well dried-off. Branching for this purpose may be induced by searing the crown of old plants. Hybrids between the different species and with related genera are easily secured and interesting.

Aloes are much cultivated as decorative plants, being amongst the most popular of desert and succulent plants for their stiff, harsh and rugged habit. Fig. 170. They are often grouped about large public buildings, where they emphasize certain architectural features. Large collections are to be seen only in botanic gardens and in the collections of a few fanciers. The largest dealer has nearly one hundred kinds, but grows only five or six kinds in quantity.

Old plants of Aloe will keep healthy for several years in the same pots without a renewal of soil, and flower freely at the same time. The soil most suited to their needs is sandy loam three parts, lime rubble and broken brick one part, with a little decayed manure to strengthen the mixture. Very firm potting is necessary. Drainage is a more important item than soil, and must be perfectly arranged to enable the surplus water to run freely from the soil. Broken bricks are preferable to pieces of pots, large pieces for the bottom of the pot or tub, and smaller pieces above, till the last layer is quite fine. Some of the species need freer rooting conditions than others. A. ciliaris will grow from 5 to 7 feet in a season. A. abyssinica is of robust growth, and differs from most others in the color of the flowers, which are pure yellow, the others being mostly orange and orange-scarlet. A.plicatilis makes an ornamental tub plant when 4 or 5 feet high. Except during the period in which the species are in active growth, they need very little water, the principal idea being to keep the soil sweet and porous even when in growth. At all times the air of the house should be as dry as possible, full sunshine not hurting them. Propagation is by seeds, suckers and cuttings. The arborescent kinds should be rooted after they have completed growth. Dust over the cut part of the cutting with powdered charcoal and dry in sunshine before putting it in to root. Insert singly in as small pots as they will go into, and plunge in a sand-bed. Very little moisture is necessary while rooting.


The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.


Cultivation

Propagation

Pests and diseases

Varieties

There are around 400 species in the genus Aloe. For a full list, see List of species of genus Aloe. Species include:

The APG II system (2003) placed the genus in the family Asphodelaceae. In the past it has also been assigned to families Aloaceae and Liliaceae or lilly family. Members of the closely allied genera Gasteria, Haworthia and Kniphofia, which have a similar mode of growth, are also popularly known as aloes. Note that the plant sometimes called American aloe (Agave americana) belongs to Agavaceae, a different family.


Read about Aloe in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

-A. Cameronii. Hemal. Fls. almost cinnabar-red, passing into yellow toward the top. E. Trop. Air. —A. Campylosiphon, A. Berger. Pale yellow us. E. Trop. Afr. —A. Chabaudii, Schoenl. Allied to A. stricta. Lvs. bordered with small prickles; outer segms. of fls. pale brick-red with whitish wings at apex. Trop. Afr. —A. decora, Schoenl. A dwarf species having red fls. tipped with green. S. Afr. —A. Lastii. Baker. Fls. pale yellow, greenish at top. Zanzibar.—A. laxiflóra, Hort. Very lax arrangement of fls. which are orange-red in lower part and yellow at apex. Cape Colony. —A. Marlothii, A. Berger. Extremely spiny lvs. and nearly horizontally spreading fl.-spikes. British Bechuanaland. —A. Orpenae, Schoenl. Lvs. lined with white spots and markings on both surfaces: fls. red, tipped with white. S. Afr. —A. pallidiflora, A. Berger. A stemless plant: lvs. armed on margins with sharp spines: fls. pale flesh-color. 3. Afr. —A. pendent. A shrubby species: fls. drooping, dull yellowish red. S. Arabia. —A. rubrolutea, Schini. Unbranched st. 8 ft. high or more: lvs. armed or margins with brown deltoid and somewhat hooked spines: fls. bright red. Trop. S. W. Afr.


The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.


Gallery

References

  1. ↑ Images of aloe trees.

External links


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