There are 325 species of the genus aloe distributed throughout Africa, Arabia, and Madagascar. Originally it was listed in the Lily (Liliaceae) family, but now this family has been split into smaller groups. Aloe is now placed in the asphodel family (Asphodelaceae).

Aloe Vera, means true aloe, and it was spread throughout the Mediterranean by man, which makes it difficult to tell where it originated. Some think it might be the Canary Islands. The closest relatives of Aloe occur n Arabia which might be the most probable area of origin.

Aloe vera is a large, stemless rosette succulent. The fleshy, sword-shaped leaves are gray-green and grow to 80 cm long. Younger leaves have pale spots. The plant will slowly offset to form a clump. Only large plants flower. The unbranched flower spike carries yellow, tubular flowers. In cultivation in California, hummingbirds visit these.

Aloe vera, coming from lowland, subtropical areas, is not very frost-hardy. It grows well along the coast where frost is rare. It prefers good sun, with some shade at midday. Plant it in a well-drained soil amended with organic matter and sand or expanded shale. Watering can be infrequent once the plant is established.

Aloe vera is also happy in a pot on a windowsill. In this location it will be available to treat mild burns, scrapes, and cuts. Merely break off a small piece of leaf, and squeeze the gel onto the wound. In such cramped quarters the leaves will be two-ranked and covered in pale spots.