- The gel of aloe vera leaves has soothing and antiseptic properties.aloe vera image by Magdalena Mirowicz from Fotolia.com
Although it resembles a cactus, aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a shallow-rooted, succulent perennial from the lily family. Aloe vera is a native of the Mediterranean and Africa and has about 250 different varieties, ranging from a few inches to several feet in height. The shape of aloe plants differs among varieties. Leaves are a light gray-green with spots and pointed edges. Aloe plants grown indoors do not bloom, but in warmer outdoor or greenhouse temperatures, the plants often sport 1-inch yellow, green, white or orange flowers on tall stalks. The gel inside the succulent leaves has healing and soothing properties. - Aloe barberae is a larger aloe or tree variety that can grow to a mature height between 30 to 55 feet. The tree, also called aloe bainesii, has a strong trunk with numerous forked branches. Aloe barberae blooms with green, rose-tipped flowers about an inch in diameter. Its name derives from Mary Elizabeth Barber, a pioneer plant collector in South Africa who discovered it. Aloe barberae is fast-growing and requires regular watering. A slope is the best site for the tree. Plant in well-drained soil amended with compost.
- Lace aloe is a dwarf aloe variety, also referred to as aloe aristata and torch plant. The plant grows densely with green, 4-inch rosettes of foliage edged with soft, white teeth. Lace aloe blooms in early summer with orange-red flowers borne on 2-foot stalks. The plant itself grows to about 1 foot in mature height and is popular in rock gardens and small pots, as ground cover and for edging.When growing outdoors, plant in areas of partial shade. If growing as an indoor plant, place in a bright spot. Do not overwater as this can rot the roots. (Reference 7)
- Aloe dichotoma is a larger aloe vera, growing to a mature height of about 20 to 27 feet with a 20-foot spread. Also referred to as the quiver tree, aloe dichotoma is the most common aloe in South Africa. The branches are smooth and covered with a thin, white-powder layer that helps to reflect the heat, and the bark has sharp-edged, golden-brown scales. With a dense, round crown of blue-green foliage, the tree blooms with yellow flowers from June to July. The flower buds are edible and taste like asparagus. Any well-drained, hot, dry, open site is an ideal place for growing aloe dichotoma.
- Aloe dorotheae is a stemless evergreen succulent with tapering green foliage that turns brown-red as it matures. The plant produces unbranched flower stalks with green-tipped, red or yellow flowers during early winter. Aloe dorotheae grows to a mature height of 2 to 3 feet with a 3-foot spread, and does best in full sun or partial shade.
