Aloe (Aloe vera)

Tender, tropical perennial

Succulent, lance-shaped, medium green leaves; mature plants occasionally produce racemes of yellow flowers on erect stems

Origin:Mediterranean

This Mediterranean species has been cultivated for medicinal purposes since the pre-Christian era. Bernard McMahon included 23 tropical Aloe species in his American Gardener’s Calendar, 1806. Medicinal Aloe or Burn Plant is noted for its healing and cosmetic properties, and is included in many skin moisturizers and salves. Sap from a broken leaf applied directly to the skin will soothe burns and sunburns. Aloes are widely grown as long-lived, indestructible house plants that can be passed down in families for generations.