Aloe Vera is a leafy succulent that a rosette
fashion on hot well drained soils. The leaves are spotted when young but take
on a uniform light green color with age. They can reach 2 feet in length and
are edged soft spines. Older plants produce an 18 inch long stalk from the
centre of the rosette that is topped with nodding cylindrical yellow flower about
one inch long.
It is bitter shiny and can be collected as an
exudates from cut leaves or squeezed from the pulp of the leaves. Leaves from
all aloes have long been credited with healing properties but the especially
inculent aloe Vera is valued most.
In the past leaves were sliced and laid on the skin
to relieve itching and to heal burns, minor burns, wrinkles, insect bits, skin
irritation, cuts and scratches. Consumer may be familiar with aloe Vera because
extract of its sap are found in may hand lotion and other skin care products.
Aloe Vera makes a sturdy long lived house plant as
it is given plenty of sunlight and is not over watered. Many home gardeners
grow it on a window sill so the sap is ready available.
Peter K.
Philip
Adventure Kenya camping safaris,
Natural
Track Safaris
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