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Aloes are found from Arabia in the North to Madagascar in the East and
Southern Africa in the South. Gilbert Westacott Reynolds documented over
300 species of aloes (about 170 species are found in South Africa). Aloes
occur naturally only in Africa, in Mexico, where Aloe vera escaped
from cultivation, it has been naturalised.
Aloes come in a variety
of shapes and sizes, from the small grass aloes to the huge A.
dichotoma and A. pillansii. Aloes are well adapted for harsh
climates and they can survive in mountains, gasslands, deserts and on
beaches . Both the spiky leaves and the bitter tasting sap prevents
animals and insects from eating it. The waxy leaves have sunken pores
which prevents water loss. The downward angled flowers are borne on a
simple or multi-branched inflorescence. One of the genus' weakness is a
poorly developed root system. Aloes propgate by seeds that are designed
for wind dispersal and some species have a high degree of vegetative
propagation (they offset quite easily).
Aloes are well known
succulents, not just for their beauty but for their medicinal properties
as well. You could find aloe vera in skin-care products, hair shampoo,
vitamins and supplements. |
