Aloe vera

Aloe vera

Botanical name: Aloe barbadensis

Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 1 m

Position: Full sun / part shade

Soil preference: Well drained

Description

Aloe vera is a clump forming succulent perennial growing up to 1 metre. The thick fleshy leaves have serrated edges and contain a clear gel. The leaves sometimes have white markings. The flower spikes are orange or yellow and appear in summer. Young plants sucker from the base.

Uses

Medicinal – Aloe vera is an excellent first aid remedy for burns, grazes, scalds, and sunburn. A leaf, broken off, releases a soothing gel, which may be applied to the affected part. The gel is useful for almost any skin condition that needs soothing and astringing and will help varicose veins to some extent. Aloe vera also has a long history as a skin lotion.

Aloe vera gel can be blended with water to create aloe vera juice, which is full of nutrients. Aloe vera juice contains anthraquinones which are strongly laxatives. At low doses the bitter properties of the herb stimulate the digestion. As higher doses, bitter aloes are laxative and purgative.

Caution –Do not take internally during pregnancy or while breast feeding. Do not take if suffering from haemorrhoids or kidney disease. Do not use the bitter yellow juice from the base of the leaves on the skin.

Growing conditions

Aloe vera prefer a position in full sun and with good drainage and no frosts. If your soil is heavy or you live in a wet area, consider growing your aloe vera in a raised garden bed, and add some coarse gravel to improve drainage.

You can grow aloe vera in a garden pot or container. Use a cacti and succulent potting mix to ensure good drainage. If growing the plant indoors, make sure it is in a very bright part of the house.

Aloe vera can be planted at any time of the year. As these plants grow from the middle out, it is important not to damage the central growing point.

9cm pot.

Organically grown plant in a biodegradable coir pot.