Aloe asperifolia

A. Berger

Rough-leafy aloe

Xanthorrhoeaceae Potential hazards — see below

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(c) John Barkla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John Barkla

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(c) Sebastian Hatt, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

What to Eat

Edible parts: ? medicine

Known Hazards

The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods of time, anthraquinones do have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs. Long term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential, and tumorigenic potential.

Where to Find It

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in arid regions.

Namibia, Southern Africa,

Countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How to Identify

A succulent plant. It grows 15-30 cm tall. It does not have a stem and has a ring of leaves in a cluster of 20-40.

How to Grow

A plant of the Namib Desert, growing in areas which are not only devoid of other plant life, but almost devoid of soil, and where most of the moisture available to plants of this species is derived from fog. Aloe species follow the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants can fix carbon dioxide at night and photosynthesize with closed stomata during the day, thus minimizing water loss. This, plus their succulent leaves and stems, and the presence of a thick cuticle, makes them well adapted to dry conditions.

Propagation: Seed - we have no specific information on this species - in general Aloes are sown in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm, shady position in standard seed trays. Germination takes about three weeks. Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand (1 - 2mm), keep moist. The seedlings can be planted out in individual bags or containers as soon as they are large enough to handle.

Medicinal Uses

Used in traditional medicine.

Notes

Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.