Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that belongs to the family of the Asphodelaceae. It has been known for its medical, cosmetic and nutritional properties for centuries. Originally, the plant probably comes from the Arabian Peninsula, but is now cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. Aloe vera is one of the most frequently grown types of the genus Aloe, which includes a total of 588 species.

Morphology

The plant forms a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that are colored green to greyish-green and carry small thorns on the edges. The leaves contain a clear, jelly -like substance, which is known as gel and is known for its healing properties. Aloe vera does not produce family leaves and reaches a height of around 60 to 100 cm. The leaves are 40 to 50 cm long and can weigh up to 1.5 kg under ideal conditions.

The plant blooms once a year and forms a long inflorescence that can become up to 90 cm high. The flowers are tubular, yellow or orange color and about 2 to 3 cm long. They are visited by pollers such as bees and birds. Aloe vera is able to form offshoots (Kindel) that grow around the mother plant and can easily be used for multiplication.

Physiology and adjustments

Aloe vera is excellently adapted to dry and hot climate zones. Like many succulents, it stores water in her fleshy leaves to survive long dry periods. This ability is supported by the so -called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a form of photosynthesis in which the plant opens its stomata at night to minimize water loss during the hot day. Carbon dioxide is absorbed at night and stored in organic acids that are used for photosynthesis during the day.

Distribution and Habitat

Aloe vera grows wildly in dry, semi -desert -like areas with stony or sandy soils. It prefers well permeable, sandy soils and needs a lot of sunlight, but also tolerates light shade. In cultivation, it is grown in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide because it is relatively easy to care for and can adapt to different soil conditions.

Medical and commercial use

Aloe vera has a long history as a medicinal plant. The gel that is obtained from the leaves contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and minerals. These compounds contribute to the anti -inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the plant.

The gel was traditionally used to treat wounds, burns, skin irritation and sunburn. In modern medicine and cosmetics, Aloe vera gel is used in skin care products, shampoos and moisture creams. It is also used as a dietary supplement because it is intended to strengthen the immune system and support the digestive tract.

The bitter yellow juice, which is located in the outer layers of the leaves and is called aloin, has a strong laxative effect. In the past, aloin was used as a laxative, but because of its potentially harmful side effects, such as strong diarrhea and stomach cramps, it is no longer approved for this purpose in many countries.

Cultivation

Aloe vera is grown in agricultural companies worldwide, especially in regions with hot, dry climate such as Mexico, Spain and India. It requires little water, which makes it easy to cultivate even in low -water areas. The plant grows both in the field and in pots and can thrive under different conditions as long as the soil is well permeable and waterlogging is avoided. Waterlogging can easily lead to root rot, one of the few diseases that can seriously damage this plant.

The propagation usually takes place by separating Kindeln that grow around the mother plant. Aloe vera is sensitive to frost and should be cultivated in colder regions in pots so that it can be brought into the house in the winter months.