Aloe is the name given to a variety of perennials of the Liliaceae/Aloeacea family. There are over 325 species in this genius. Aloe Ferox, Aloe perryi, Aloe barteri called West African Aloe, and Aloe Barbadensis, and also called Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera has been in much use from the time immemorial. Wall paintings of ancient Egypt showed Aloe Vera was used by the Egyptians to treat catarrh. Among the Jews, Aloe Vera was used as an ingredient for embalming. The body of Jesus was wrapped in linen soaked in myrrh and Aloes.

Aloe Vera is a native of southern and northern Africa, came to Greece in the 4th century BC, to China in the 10th century AD and finally to Europe in the 11th century AD. Even though there are many species, they all have similar constituents: Anthraquinone, Glycosides, Aloin, Resin and others.

Aloe Vera is the most common of the species found in Nigeria today. It grows well in flower pots. It needs a balanced measure of sunshine and water to survive; it does not grow very tall (just about 1-4 feet). It is a light green in color with white spots. You must know that there are different species of Aloe, so one should not be surprised to find different sizes and color of Aloe. The West African Aloe (Aloe barteri) has very broad, succulent leaves and bright red flowers which can grow as high as seven feet.

Cultivation of Aloe

Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant and for its interesting flowers, form, and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low water-use gardens. The species is hardy in zones 8–11, although it is intolerant of very heavy frost or snow. The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests, though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in plant health. In pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions; however, Aloe plants can burn under too much sun or shrivel when the pot does not drain water. The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is recommended, as they allow good drainage. Terra cotta pots are preferable as they are porous.

Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to rewatersing. When potted, aloes become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant", they should be divided and repotted to allow room for further growth and help prevent pest infestations. During winter, Aloe vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses. Large-scale agricultural production of Aloe vera is undertaken in Australia, Bangladesh, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, along with the USA to supply the cosmetics industry with Aloe vera gel (Wikipedia).

Since Aloe Vera grows quickly, it should be planted in every compound. It should be planted in flower pots most especially for it to survive. The owners of the compound should take good care of it and see that it does not lack of water and care. Aloe has several medicinal values which we will treat in the next health issue on this blog.

Aloe can be used for cancer, constipation, intestinal ulcer, impotence, suppressed menstrual pain and a whole lot of skin diseases like eczema, dandruff, ringworm and others. This is a very good plant everyone would need at home and around all. Live a nature loving life today and see the benefits you would get. Plant a Aloe today and help the society!

Source: Nature Power, Wikipedia.
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