Family: Asphodelaceae
Plant Name: Aloe
Botanical Name: Aloe Vera
Plant features:
The Aloe is a plant that grows in the desert and the mountains in areas that are characterized by well-ventilated soil and dry weather. It doesn’t need much water and can grow in small areas of soil, for example you can plant Aloe Vera in small pots compared to their size as their roots don’t go deep and they can survive in poor or saline soil. The Aloe plants are suitable for homes as they don’t need high maintenance and care and can easily reproduce. Small plants can’t tolerate the sun for long periods, while the larger plants change their colors during hot summers to resist the sun’s rays. Unlike other plants, the Aloe Vera produces oxygen at night.
Popularity across the world:
Succulents are found all over the world, but the Aloe Vera is considered originally native to the Hajar Mountains. It is now widely cultivated around the world, now being native to North Africa, Canary Islands, Spain, and Portugal and is also found in other Arab countries such as the Asir Mountains at the south of Jizan in Saudi Arabia, occurring in arid, temperate, and tropical regions of temperate continents.
Cultivation areas in Al Ain Zoo:
The Aloe Vera plant flourishes in various places around the Zoo, including The World Deserts area, areas around the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, beside the Zarafa cafe and is now being cultivated throughout the Zoo.
Traditional Usage:
Aloe Vera gel is used to treat burns, blisters and other topical skin conditions. The juice from its leaves has traditionally been used as a moisturizing cream for the skin. Crushed aloe leaves are mixed with oil and vinegar to grease the forehead to treat headaches and it is also used in the cosmetics industry and as an alternative to soap.