Aloe vera
INTRODUCTION Aloe vera belongs to the family Liliacae and is mainly cultivated for its thick fleshy leaves from which the yellow resinous latex or yellow sap or anthraquinones (the bitter yellow liquid between the leaf rind and gel) exudes and can be used as a laxative or purgative. If it is not processed properly it turned out to be poisonous. Nearly there are about 150 species in Aloe vera and these species belong to the succulent family like any other lilies or onions. In India Aloe Vera has been referred to as "kumari’ in Ayurvedic treatments where it was popularly used to treat the sore eyes, abrasions and wounds. ORIGIN African Continent SPREAD Aloe is grown largely in South Texas, USA, Mexico, India, South America, Central America, Australia and Africa. FAMILY Liliaceae COMMONLY CALLED AS Miracle plant, Healing plant, Plant of immortality, Fountain of youth. COMMON VARIETIES 1. Aloe Barbadensis Miller, 2. Aloe Saponaria