Aloes are found from Arabia in the North to Madagascar in the East and Southern Africa in the South. Gilbert Westacott Reynolds documented over 300 species of aloes (about 170 species are found in South Africa). Aloes occur naturally only in Africa, in Mexico, where Aloe vera escaped from cultivation, it has been naturalised.

Aloes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the small grass aloes to the huge A. dichotoma and A. pillansii. Aloes are well adapted for harsh climates and they can survive in mountains, gasslands, deserts and on beaches . Both the spiky leaves and the bitter tasting sap prevents animals and insects from eating it. The waxy leaves have sunken pores which prevents water loss. The downward angled flowers are borne on a simple or multi-branched inflorescence. One of the genus' weakness is a poorly developed root system. Aloes propgate by seeds that are designed for wind dispersal and some species have a high degree of vegetative propagation (they offset quite easily).

Aloes are well known succulents, not just for their beauty but for their medicinal properties as well. You could find aloe vera in skin-care products, hair shampoo, vitamins and supplements.

Asclepiads