EBP/Trinity507/Aloe vera

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Aloe vera[edit | edit source]

  • Common names: Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Curaçao Aloe, True Aloe, Medicine Plant, Burn Plant
  • Wikipedia: Aloe vera
  • Notes: Additional scientific name Aloe barbadensis.

Plant descriptions[edit | edit source]

  • Habitat and range: Believed to have originated in Cape Verde Islands, spread to the rest of the Mediterranean, Africa and Middle East. A common houseplant. Exact native habitat unknown (possible ancient hybrid?). Grows on well-drained soil.
  • Appearance and identification of plant: Fat fleshy spiky leaves filled with watery gel and the bitter aloe juice growing straight out of the root system (stemless plant). The spikes are usually soft, with a whitish color against the light bluish green of the leaves. The leaves can grow to up to 2 feet in length. The root system is shallow and fibrous.
  • Appearance and identification of flower: The flowers grow from a single stem about 18 inches in height. They are long and bell-shaped, yellow-orange or coral in color, with an appearance almost similar to honeysuckle flowers. Blooms fairly erratically, and only older plants bear flowers.