Common Name:

General Information

Aloe macroclada is an evergreen, succulent, perennial, stemless plant producing a very large rosette of up to 50 leaves. These fleshy leaves can be 60 - 100cm long and 18 - 22cm wide at their base[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. The plant is also harvested commercially for its leaf gel, which is traded internationally.

Known Hazards

The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods of time, anthraquinones do have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs[]. Long term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential, and tumorigenic potential[].

Botanical References

Range

Africa - southern and central Madagascar.

Habitat

Dry grassland, Inselberg/Rock Faces at elevations from around 500 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Aloe species follow the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants can fix carbon dioxide at night and photosynthesize with closed stomata during the day, thus minimizing water loss. This, plus their succulent leaves and stems, and the presence of a thick cuticle, makes them well adapted to dry conditions[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves and the gel obtained from them are used as a diuretic, purgative and to cure conditions such as ascites[, ].
The leaf pulp is rubbed on the head to treat dandruff[].

The plant has a reputation as a traditional anti-carcinogenic. Products made using the leaf gel are offered for sale on the Internet as having similar properties to Aloe vera[].

The distinctive constituents in Aloe leaves are phenolic compounds, including chromone, anthraquinone or anthrone derivatives. Some of the compounds are found in many species, whereas others occur in only a few[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no specific information on this species - in general Aloes are sown in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm, shady position in standard seed trays. Germination takes about three weeks. Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand (1 - 2mm), keep moist. The seedlings can be planted out in individual bags or containers as soon as they are large enough to handle[].

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