Aloe cryptopoda

Baker

Xanthorrhoeaceae Edible: Leaves - potash Potential hazards — see below 84 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Aloe cryptopoda is a species of succulent plant in the genus Aloe. It is native to Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Description

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are in a compact ring. It grows 50-80 cm tall. There are 40-50 leaves 40-90 cm long by 4-15 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The leaves are processed to produce potash.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are used for potash.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The leaf juice is used to treat constipation, venereal diseases and as abortifacient, although the abortifacient activity of the infusion could not be demonstrated in tests. The distinctive constituents in Aloe leaves are phenolic compounds, including chromone, anthraquinone or anthrone derivatives. Some of the compounds are found in many species, whereas others occur in only a few.

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.

Where It Grows

Africa, Botswana, South Africa, Southern Africa,

Cultivation

Succeeds in full sun to light shade. 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. Suckers

Other Uses

The roots dye wool red-brown to purplish-red, depending on the mordant.

Notes

Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

References (2)

Ruiters-Welcome, A. K., 2019, Food plants of southern Africa. Ph.D. thesis. Univ. of Johannesburg p 30
Welcome, A. K. & Van Wyk, B.-E., 2019, An inventory and analysis of the food plants of southern Africa. South African Journal of Botany 122 (2019) 136–179