Aloe vera description, propagation, location, and health benefits

1. Horticulture department
College of Agriculture
Salahaddin University

2. Scientific classification
 Family:
Asphodelaceae
 Sientific name:
Aloe vera
 Common name :
Aloe

3. Aloe vera
 Is a succulent plant species of
the genus Aloe.
An evergreen perennial, it originates
from the Arabian Peninsula but
grows wild in tropical climates
around the world and is cultivated
for agricultural and medicinal uses.
 The species is also used for
decorative purposes and grows
successfully indoors as a potted
plant

4. Description
Leaves:
 The leaves are succulent, erect, forming a
dense rosette, stiff and spiny along the
edges.
 The leaves are greyish green, lanceolate, its
surfaces are sometimes marked with white
flecks or spots and growing to about 50 cm
long and 8 to 10 cm wide.
 Each plant has 15 to 30 tapering leaves.

5. Description
Stem and root:
Aloe vera plants are stemless
or have a short stem no more
than about 12 inches tall.
Aloe vera plants are shallow-
rooted, an adaptation that
allows them to absorb water
efficiently when rainfall or
watering is infrequent.

6. Description
Flowers:
 An aloe vera's flowers appear on
spikes up to 90 cm tall. The flowers
are yellowish-orange and tubular.
 They are arranged in an arrow-shaped
cluster atop the stalk.
 Aloe veras tend to flower in spring
but may bloom sporadically
throughout the year.

7. Description
 Fruit and Seeds:
 Aloe vera plants that are growing
successfully may occasionally
bear fruit and seeds.
 The fruit of the plant is a capsule
that opens vertically. The plant's
seeds are dark brown and
winged. Although each capsule
may contain many seeds.

8. How to care for aloe as a houseplant:
 As a houseplant, it is easily grown in sandy well-
drained commercial potting loams.
 Best sited in full sun, but this plant seems to adapt to
some part shade.
 Aloe vera do best in temperatures between 55 and
80°F (13 and 27°C).
 Tolerant of drought and dry indoor air.
 Water aloe vera plants deeply, but infrequently, in
winter water about every 3 weeks.
 Plants should be brought indoors in winter.

9. propagation
Aloe vera can be grown from seed, but is most
easily propagated from suckers which are
readily produced by the mother plant. The
suckers are commonly referred to as “pups”.
The pups should be cut from the main root by
gently uprooting the mother plant and finding
the point of attachment. The young plant
should be cut from the parent using a sharp
knife. Pups can be safely removed when they
have several sets of leaves. The young plants
should be planted in their own pot and
watered deeply.

12. Benefits of aloe
 The leaves hold a gooey translucent gel,
also extremely bitter, and known all over
the world for it's unbelievable healing
properties.This translucent gel is made up
of around 96% water, some organic and
inorganic compounds, a type of protein
which contains 18 of the 20 amino
acids, Vitamin A, B, C and E.
 Another part of the aloe vera plant which
is used is the 'sap', a yellow-coloured
liquid stuck to the skin of the plant from
the inside. When dried and purified, the
powdered aloe is often used as a laxative,
though it's effectiveness is questionable.

13. Uses of aloe
 The Aloe Vera Can Be Used To Promote The Healing
Of Wounds
 Aloe Vera Helps With Your Digestive System
 Prevent Wrinkles And Skin Aging
 Drinking Aloe Vera Juice Lowers Blood Sugar And
Prevents Diabetes
 Aloe Vera Can Help Mouth Ulcers
Aloe Vera Drinks Boost The Immune System
 The Aloe Vera Gel Can Be Used To Prevent And Cure
Hair Loss

14. References:
 Aloe Vera Handbook: The Acient Egyptian
Medicine Plant /Max B. Skousen /2005
 /homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-parts-aloe-vera-
68299

15. Thank you for
your attention