Unknown · GFDL
About
This popular succulent, *Aloe vera*, is highly valued by hobbyists for its attractive form, thick fleshy leaves, and interesting flowers. It is widely cultivated globally and is known for its gel-rich leaves, which are used in various topical and cosmetic products.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant is a stemless or very short-stemmed perennial, growing up to 60–100 centimeters (24–39 inches) tall and spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and green to grey-green, featuring a serrated margin with small white teeth. Flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, bearing pendulous yellow tubular corollas 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) long.
Distribution & habitat
Native to the south-east Arabian Peninsula, specifically the Hajar Mountains in north-eastern Oman and eastern U.A.E. It has naturalized in North Africa, Sudan, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira Islands, and parts of Spain.
Cultivation notes
It is hardy in zones 8–11 and is ideal for low water-use gardens, thriving in well-drained, sandy potting soil. It requires bright, sunny conditions and prefers porous containers like terra cotta pots. When potted, it can be divided to manage crowded offsets (pups).
History & etymology
The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as *Aloe perfoliata var. vera*, and was later described by Nicolaas Laurens Burman in 1768 as *Aloe vera* in Flora Indica.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
- Native To
- Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Mexico, Australia, Tanzania, India, California, China, Cuba, United States
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
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