Description
Description: Tender, tropical perennial Succulent, lance-shaped, medium green leaves; mature plants occasionally produce racemes of yellow flowers on erect stems
Habit: Stiff rosettes of succulent, evergreen leaves grow 1 to 2 feet high and 1 foot wide
Culture: Prefers well-drained soil and bright light, but direct summer sun can burn the succulent leaves; tolerates dry indoor conditions
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 10
Origin: Mediterranean
Attributes: Drought-tolerant, houseplant
This Mediterranean species has been cultivated for medicinal purposes since the pre-Christian era. Bernard McMahon included 23 tropical Aloe species in his American Gardeners 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.