Aloe	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates Water requirement         High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description There are some 330 species in the genus Aloe, all evergreen succulents ranging from low growing perennials, shrubs and climbers to 15m tall trees. The lance-shaped leaves grow in rosettes at the stem or branch tips, are usually toothed or spined. They vary in width and length depending on the species. The red, orange, pink or yellow flowers are borne on usually long spikes and appear in late winter or spring. Popular landscaping plants in warm and dry areas and effective as container plants. Native to tropical and southern Africa as well as to the Arabian Peninsula and India. Aloe Vera (pictured here) is a succulent perennial. The fleshy leaves have spined edges and grow 20-60 cm in length.
Growing A semi-desert plant that requires little to no maintenance. Nearly all aloes prefer a warm dry climate and well-drained soil, but many will tolerate a few degrees of frost once established. Grow the larger species in full sun, the smaller types in part-shade. Propagate from seeds, offsets and stem cuttings. The small, rooted suckers from around the base of the plant can be detached and planted out. If planting in pots use a light sandy and well-drained mixture. Pests Infestation by mealybug can be a problem. Uses The leaves of Aloe Vera contain a bitter sap used to soothe insect bites and sunburn. The sap is also used as an ingredient in drink additives known as bitters. In medications it is used to discourage nail biting in children.