Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.

 

Scientific Name: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.

Family: Asphodelaceae

Synonym: Aloe barbadensis Mill., Aloe perfoliata var. vera L.

Vernacular name: Chotthu Kathalai

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Hilly areas, thicklets

Distribution: Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Naturalized in most part of the World

Flowering and Fruiting: Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec, Sept-Jan

Key identification features: Perennial succulent herbs; stem short, producing suckers at the base. Leaves radical, aggregated, ensiform, fleshy, sparsely dentate on margins. Racemes terminal. Flowers reflexed, reddish. Perianth lobes 6, almost equaling the tube.. Ovary ovoid 3-loculed; ovules many in each locule; style elongated, stigma obscurely 3-lobed. Fruit capsule.

 

Tribal Consumers: Kuruma

Uses: Aloe vera is widely used for its soothing gel, which is applied topically to treat burns, skin irritations, and moisturize the skin. Additionally, it is consumed as a health supplement for its potential digestive benefits and nutrient-rich properties.