Aloe vera is the best-known species in its genus and has been inexorably trendy for many years. Like its relatives, it has fleshy, smooth, shiny leaves from which juice or gel for skin care is obtained.
What different types of Aloe Vera exist?
The genus Aloe includes around 500 species, the best known being Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis. Other species valued for their medicinal, useful or ornamental properties include Aloe arborescens, Aloe ferox, Aloe haworthioides and Aloe erinacea.
The name aloe vera (Latin for true) used today can be traced back to the scientific description by Carl von Linné. Aloe vera is the name that most of us are familiar with. A synonym and less well-known is the name Aloe barbadensis, which was later published by Philip Miller and therefore had to give priority to the previously published name Aloe vera.
Aloe vera is commonly equated with the entire Aloe genus, although it is only one of around 500 species within the Aloe genus. So when we talk about Aloe Vera species, what is meant is the large number of Aloe species, which include, among other things: The following varieties growing as medicinal, useful or ornamental plants include:
- Aloe arborescens,
- Aloe ferox,
- Aloe haworthioides,
- Aloe erinacea.
Appearance and growth of aloe vera plants
The fleshy, smooth, shiny leaves with thorny teeth on the edge are usually arranged in basal rosettes on the trunk. The inflorescences grow laterally from the axillae and bear yellow, red or orange flowers. The Aloe vera grows to a height of around 40-50 cm and is just as wide. The blue-green colored leaves with delicate green or white spots are between 30 and 60 cm long and taper to a point at the end.
Caring for Aloe Vera Plants
Like all succulents, real aloe has the ability to store water in its thick leaves, so it can survive for long periods of time without adding water. Aloe vera loves light and warmth and is therefore suitable for the windowsill or in the winter garden on the south side. It is watered sparingly from below. To avoid waterlogging, ensure good drainage in the pot.
Use of aloe vera
Aloe vera is grown on large areas in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. The plant is valued in cosmetics production for its skin-care and skin-regenerating active ingredients. However, it is also said to have all kinds of healing properties for various diseases of the digestive organs, so it is becoming increasingly important in the food and nutritional supplement industry. In this country it thrives as a perennial houseplant that can also be used for skin and hair care or can also help digestion.
Tips & Tricks
Most wild-growing aloe species are protected species due to their inclusion in the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
