Aloe vera

Aloe A. vera
Aloe vera plant
Aloe A. vera
Scientific classification
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus	Aloe
Species	A. vera
Binomial name	Aloe A. vera
Binomial authority
Synonyms

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. Aloe vera is also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant. It is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns. There is little scientific evidence of the effectiveness or safety of Aloe vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes.

Description

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. 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 flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.

Distribution and habitat

Aloe vera is native to the Arabian Peninsula but grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses.

Uses

Medicinal

Historically, Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes in various cultures. The gel from the plant's leaves is used to soothe minor burns, cuts, and other skin ailments. Aloe vera juice is marketed to support the health of the digestive system.

Cosmetic

In the cosmetic industry, Aloe vera is used as a base material for the production of creams, lotions, soaps, and shampoos due to its moisturizing, healing, and soothing properties.

Food

Aloe vera is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent in products like yogurt, beverages, and desserts.

Cultivation

Aloe vera can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions. Although it is tolerant of drought, regular, moderate watering is necessary for optimal growth.

Taxonomy

The species has a number of synonyms: A. barbadensis Mill., A. indica Royle, and A. vulgaris Lam. are the most widely known. Aloe vera was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

Gallery

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  Aloe vera in bloom

See also

• Succulent plant
• Herbal medicine
• List of Aloe species

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