IF YOU HAVE SKIN, YOU SHOULD GROWALOSE
BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES
Name: ALOE (Aloe spp.)
Aloes are members of the Aloe genus, of which there are about 500 worldwide. Botanists classify aloes as a part of the large lily family. In general, aloes are native to Africa and the Middle East.
Description
Aloe is so commonly available today that you have probably seen one at your local supermarket. If not, every garden supply shop and nursery sells them. The leaves are formed in a rosette of fleshy succulent, lance-shaped leaves, up to a foot and longer in length, with somewhat soft spines on the margins.
The flowering stalk arises a foot or more high on leafless stalks. Most of the flowers are a shade of orange or yellow.
The most commonly known aloe is the aloe vera, meaning, “true Aloe.”
Where Found
Though not native to North America, aloes are found widely throughout the U.S. Where there is freezing weather, they will die back and should be protected. Besides being commonly grown in gardens, they can be found in remote cabin areas that have been abandoned, as they require very little maintenance to keep alive.