Common Name:

General Information

Aloe excelsa is a succulent, evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow from 2 - 6 metres tall[]. The stem is unbranched, clothed in withered leaf remains, and topped by a compact rosette of spreading leaves that can be up to 1 metre long and 15cm wide at their base[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

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

Southern Africa - Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, S. Africa.

Habitat

Granite outcrops, usually on steep rocky slopes, in open Brachystegia glaucescens woodland, gregarious; at elevations from 450 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in light shade[].
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

An infusion made of the leaves is taken as a malaria prophylactic and to cure stomach-ache, asthma and jaundice and is put in drinking water of chickens to prevent diseases[].

The leaves contain aloesin, anthraquinones and a C-glucoside[].
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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