Common Name:

General Information

Aloe cooperi is a succulent, perennial plant that can be unstemmed or with a short stem up to 15cm tall. It forms one or a small clump of rosettes of erect, grass-like leaves that are 60 - 80cm long. The plant is usually evergreen in warm climates, but in colder conditions can die down to ground level[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is planted as an ornamental in South Africa[].

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

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Range

Southern Africa - Mozambique, Swaziland, S. Africa.

Habitat

Grassland, in moist to marshy habitats and also in well-drained, dry, rocky areas at elevations from sea level up to 2.000 metres[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Sunbirds
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a sandy, well-drained soil[]. Plants can be found in the wild in marshy soils[].
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

The young shoots and flowers are cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, ].

Medicinal

A decoction of the flowers is taken to ease childbirth[].

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[].
Division of suckers.

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