Aloe
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While floral taxonomy continues to change, Aloe, the general name for a group of succulent plants often gets placed in the aloe genus of the family, Aloaceae.
Easily recognizable as the plants with long spiny green leaves, their typically thin flowers come in shades of orange, yellow and red, grow on long stems, or rosettes that rise from between the plant's leaves.
Approximately four hundred native African species have been documented. One well known species, aloe-vera, has a history as a medicinal plant.
A National Institute of Health (NIH) report on aloe takes a very cautious approach to the medicinal claims. With respect to its uses as a topical agent, the report says,
"Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel has not been shown to prevent burns from radiation therapy."
Aloe's easy growing nature represents another of its charms. One often finds it on a top ten list for easiest to grow houseplants. A little water and a sunny windowsill in a warm room are really all the plant needs to thrive.
Most experts suggest that aloe blooms more easily in outdoor settings rather than indoor settings. For that reason, aloe plants remain popular garden ornamentals along the southern areas of the United States.
© 2008-2011 Patricia A. Michaels