Aloe vera
| Aloe A. vera | |
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| File:Aloe vera.jpg
Aloe vera plant | |
| Aloe A. vera | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom | |
| Phylum | |
| Class | |
| Order | |
| Family | |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Species | A. vera |
| Binomial name | Aloe A. vera |
| Binomial authority | |
| Synonyms | |
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. Aloe vera is also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant. It is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns. There is little scientific evidence of the effectiveness or safety of Aloe vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes.
Description[edit]
Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.
Distribution and habitat[edit]
Aloe vera is native to the Arabian Peninsula but grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses.
Uses[edit]
Medicinal[edit]
Historically, Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes in various cultures. The gel from the plant's leaves is used to soothe minor burns, cuts, and other skin ailments. Aloe vera juice is marketed to support the health of the digestive system.
Cosmetic[edit]
In the cosmetic industry, Aloe vera is used as a base material for the production of creams, lotions, soaps, and shampoos due to its moisturizing, healing, and soothing properties.
Food[edit]
Aloe vera is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent in products like yogurt, beverages, and desserts.
Cultivation[edit]
Aloe vera can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions. Although it is tolerant of drought, regular, moderate watering is necessary for optimal growth.
Taxonomy[edit]
The species has a number of synonyms: A. barbadensis Mill., A. indica Royle, and A. vulgaris Lam. are the most widely known. Aloe vera was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Gallery[edit]
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Buds
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Flower buds
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Flowers
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Gel used for desserts
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Es lidah buaya, an Indonesian Aloe vera iced drink
See also[edit]
| Medicinal herbs and fungi | ||||||||
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