Aloe asperifolia

A. Berger

Rough-leafy aloe

Xanthorrhoeaceae Edible: ? medicine Potential hazards — see below 190 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Contribute a photo Sign in required

Description

A succulent plant. It grows 15-30 cm tall. It does not have a stem and has a ring of leaves in a cluster of 20-40.

This description is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Used in traditional medicine.

Known Hazards

The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods of time, anthraquinones do have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs. Long term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential, and tumorigenic potential.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in arid regions.

Where It Grows

Namibia, Southern Africa,

Cultivation

A plant of the Namib Desert, growing in areas which are not only devoid of other plant life, but almost devoid of soil, and where most of the moisture available to plants of this species is derived from fog. Aloe species follow the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants can fix carbon dioxide at night and photosynthesize with closed stomata during the day, thus minimizing water loss. This, plus their succulent leaves and stems, and the presence of a thick cuticle, makes them well adapted to dry conditions.

Propagation

Seed - we have no specific information on this species - in general Aloes are sown in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm, shady position in standard seed trays. Germination takes about three weeks. Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand (1 - 2mm), keep moist. The seedlings can be planted out in individual bags or containers as soon as they are large enough to handle.