There are over 450 species of Aloe distributed across their native habitats of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and Arabia. Aloes have been cultured for their medicinal properties for thousands of years and have even been engraved in prehistoric rock art by the African bushmen. Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (ca. 1552 BC) refers to the medicinal value of Aloes, which had been used in embalming. The Greeks have been using Aloes since 400 BC where the use of Aloes was recommended as an application externally for wounds, hemorrhoids, ulcers and hair loss and internally as a laxative. Not all Aloes are medicinal such as Aloe venenosa which is poisonous and toxic reactions by sensitive individuals to Aloe vera have been reported despite its widespread, general use. Aloe vera & Aloe ferox production for consumer use is a multi-million dollar industry in South Africa and the USA.
Most Aloes are sensitive to the cold weather, however Aloe aristata & Aloe polyphylla are two varieties which can tolerate the cold - even snow - conditions. These Aloes can be found growing above 6,000 feet in the Drakensburg mountains of South Africa.
Care for most Aloes in our area - coastal north San Diego County - is straight forward; full sun, good airflow, occasional watering and well drained soil.
As always, if you have any questions just email, call or stop by our shop!
Happy New Year from Emma and Linda!
Sources;
http://www.succulent-plant.com/families/aloaceae.html
Guide to the Aloes of South Africa - Gideon Smith and Ben-Erik van Wyk
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