Identification |
Genus
Aloe
Species
vera
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
Barbados aloe
ungentine cactus
medicinal aloe
Aloe vera
Family
ALOACEAE
Specimen number
S11342
Data source
HtZn p73;MedPl p57
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Life cycle |
Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Annual
Life span
1 year
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Flower
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
2' - 4'
Overall spread
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Climate |
Sunshine
Full sun to light shade
Water
Well drained
Optimal soil texture
Sandy
Acceptable soil pH
Neutral
USDA hardiness
USDA zones 10a-11
AHS heat zones
Heat zones 12-03
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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Garden |
Suitable for gardens
yes
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
This somewhat tender plant can only survive cold winter nights that dip to 30� Fahrenheit. Aloe vera needs summer days with high heat. The best soil for Aloe vera (also known as Barbados aloe, medicinal aloe or ungentine cactus) has a texture that is sandy. Full sun to light shade is best for growing this plant. It usually does best in well drained soils.
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Special qualities |
Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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Adverse factors |
Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
|
Herbal medicine |
Medicinal properties
heals burns
emollient
vulnerary
cholagogue
laxative
Medicinal parts
Leaves
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
yes
Legally restricted
yes
Toxicity precautions
The bitter yellow juice from its leaf base is toxic.
Medicinal notes
Aloe vera has too many possible beneficial herbal uses to fully enumerate. A few of its uses include: as a burn treatment, as an emollient, as a vulnerary and as a cholagogue. See the medicinal properties section for the full list. Aloe vera (sometimes called Barbados aloe, medicinal aloe or ungentine cactus) is not safe for use during pregnancy. It is illegal in some countries to possess or use this plant without proper certification. Traditional medicinal remedies are made from the leaves. The bitter yellow juice from its leaf base is toxic.
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Traditional uses |
Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Dye color
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Cultivation |
Propagule
Various
Pollination method
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Heat requirement
Fertilizer
Typical
Time to harvest
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Nutrition |
Is edible
no
Culinary uses
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
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Horticulture |
Horticulture notes
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Herbarium |
Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Aloe vera has an annual life cycle. Leaves: Aloe vera (locally known in some parts as Barbados aloe, medicinal aloe or ungentine cactus) has rosettes of fleshy, sword-point leaves that are up to 3' long. Flowers: This plant has dense clusters of flowers. Typically the flowers are either yellow or orange.
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