{:height 409, :width 408}
availability:: cv
plant/type: succulent herbaceous perennial
this defines the plant as a fleshy, non-woody, evergreen species that persists for many seasons, storing water in its thick leaves.
properties
- root: fibrous and shallow, adapted for rapid water uptake during brief rainfall events. roots spread close to the surface, allowing the plant to thrive in arid environments.
- contains trace minerals and enzymes that support basic root metabolism and cellular function.
- stem: reduced or almost absent; leaves emerge directly from a very short basal stem (crown). the stem is non-woody and mostly functions as a support base.
- composed primarily of cellulose and small amounts of [[resin compounds that may provide [[antimicrobial]] protection.
- leaf: thick, succulent, and lanceolate with serrated margins; stores large amounts of gel within the inner tissue. the outer surface is waxy to prevent water loss.
- the inner gel contains acemannan, polysaccharides, salicylic acid, vitamins (a, c, e, b1, b2, b6, b12), lignin, amino acids, minerals (zinc, calcium, magnesium), and enzymes (amylase, catalase, lipase).
- the latex layer beneath the skin contains aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin, which are biologically active and known for strong laxative effects.
- flower: grows on a tall raceme; tubular, yellow or orange, and pollinated by insects and birds. blooms once the plant matures.
- contains flavonoids, nectar (rich in sugars), and trace amounts of volatile essential oils.
- fruit: a small dry capsule that splits open when mature, releasing flat, black seeds.
- seeds contain small amounts of proteins and trace oils but are rarely used medicinally or nutritionally.
- bark: absent; aloe vera is herbaceous and non-woody.
- timber: not applicable; lacks woody tissue.
environment:: arid to semi-arid climates with full sun and sandy, well-drained soil
- climate:: warm, dry, with minimal humidity and infrequent rain
- sun:: 600–1000
- no-sun-days:: 7–10
- water:: 250–500
- no-water-days:: 30–45
- humidity:: 30–50
- fog-resistance:: 5–7
- max-temp:: 45
- optimal-temp:: 25–35
- min-temp:: 2–5
- wind-damage:: hot-dry, cold-dry, salt-laden
- soil:: sandy to rocky, fast-draining soils with low fertility
- soil-ph:: 6.0–7.0
- soil-type:: sandy, loamy, volcanic
- spacing:: 50–80 cm between plants in rows, good air circulation essential
- good-neighbors:: opuntia, rosmarinus, lavandula, cymbopogon
- bad-neighbors:: mentha, basil, colocasia
- max-height:: 60 cm
- max-spread:: 80 cm
lifecycle
- longevity:: 20 years
- germination:: 14–30 days; slow and irregular; requires warmth and moisture
- seedling:: slow-growing; sensitive to overwatering and cold
- mature:: thick leaves form in 12–18 months; flowers appear after 2–3 years
- death:: declines from frost, rot, or aging core collapse
plant/features: drought-tolerant, fire-resistant, succulent, medicinal, attract pollinators (when flowering)
layer: ground covers, herbaceous, understory (dry tropics)
products: leaf gel, leaf latex, tea, juice, skin salve, cosmetic base, fire starter, mulch, potted ornamental
| compound | plant part | % amount | description |
|---|---|---|---|
| trace minerals | root | <0.01% | support nutrient absorption and metabolic activity |
| trace enzymes | root | <0.05% | assist in root cell functions and growth |
| cellulose | stem | 30–40% (dry wt) | provides structural integrity to leaf base |
| resinous exudate | stem | ~0.1% | minor antimicrobial protection |
| acemannan | leaf (inner gel) | 5–10% | enhances immunity, aids wound healing, anti-inflammatory |
| polysaccharides | leaf (inner gel) | 10–15% | moisturizing, gut health, immune modulator |
| vitamins a, c, e | leaf (inner gel) | 0.01–0.05% | antioxidants, tissue repair, skin protection |
| vitamins b1, b2, b6, b12 | leaf (inner gel) | <0.01% | energy metabolism, nervous system support |
| salicylic acid | leaf (inner gel) | <1% | anti-inflammatory, pain relief |
| lignin | leaf (inner gel) | 1–2% | aids deep penetration of active compounds |
| enzymes (amylase, lipase, catalase) | leaf (inner gel) | <0.5% | aid digestion, reduce inflammation |
| amino acids (20 types) | leaf (inner gel) | 1–2% | protein synthesis, cellular repair |
| zinc, calcium, magnesium | leaf (inner gel) | 0.1–0.2% | mineral support, enzymatic co-factors |
| aloin | leaf (latex) | 10–30% | strong laxative, antimicrobial |
| aloe-emodin | leaf (latex) | 2–5% | antibacterial, laxative, anti-inflammatory |
| barbaloin | leaf (latex) | ~1–2% | purgative, antimicrobial |
| flavonoids | flower | 0.5–1% | antioxidant, supports vascular health and immune health |
| essential oils (trace) | flower | <0.1% | aromatic, mild antimicrobial |
| nectar (sugars) | flower | 1–3% | attract pollinators, carbohydrate source |
| proteins | fruit/seeds | 2–5% | seed nutrition, metabolic energy storage |
| trace oils | fruit/seeds | <0.5% | seed preservation, possible skincare use |
operations
- propagate plants: propagated by division of offsets (pups); seeds germinate slowly and unreliably
- maintenance: minimal care; remove dead leaves, divide clumps every 3–4 years; protect from frost and overwatering
- harvest: