Herbs in the Landscape

 Aloe vera (Aloe vera)

There are more than 350 species of aloe of which Aloe vera is the most ubiquitous. Aloe vera is in the family Aspodelaceae. Synonymous with and formally known as Aloe barbadenis, it is a succulent that thrives in rock and drought tolerant gardens. It is a perennial in subtropical, tropical and Mediterranean parts of the world. In St. Louis, it is grown in containers in sandy, well-drained potting loams. It is best grown in full sun. Over-watering and rain should be avoided. It must be brought indoors when night temperature fall below 50 degrees F. Similar to a cactus, it is drought tolerant, low maintenance and easily propagated. At the Missouri Botanical Garden, it can be found in the Desert Botanical Garden.

Aloe vera is a shrubby, green-colored plant with an average height of 1 to 2 feet. Its green and white spotted fleshy leaves have serrated edges and are about 18 inches long and 4 inches in width at the base. The leaves sit in a rosette pattern around the base. A spikey, yellow, tubular flower occurs on a mature plant. It can be easily propagated from offshoots at the base of mature plants. Since ancient times, Aloe vera has been treasured for its medicinal properties. The plant contains biological active ingredients. Each leaf has three layers. The outer layer, called the peel or rind, aids in the photosynthesis of carbohydrates and protein. The middle layer contains the latex. The inner layer contains the green gel which contains the biologically active ingredients. The gel has been used for curative and therapeutic purposes for centuries. Aloe vera gel is often known for its ability to soothe sunburn and other skin irritants. The gel is noted for its ability to moisten dry skin. The gel is added to a large number of commercial lotions and creams.