Aloe Vera Plant

Subject: Aloe Vera Plant Sat Nov 23, 2013 9:17 am

Aloe Vera

Description:

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long. Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.

Uses:

The cosmetic and alternative medicine industries regularly make claims regarding the soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties of aloe vera commercially advertised mainly for skin conditions such as sunburns, cold sores and frostbite. Aloe vera gel is also, at certain doses, its toxic properties could be severe whether ingested or topically applied. Nonetheless, its power in aiding with the regulation of bowels, epilepsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and a host of other ailments remains beneficial to wolves. Aloe is also used as a food substance, possibly for its gelling properties.