Common Name:

General Information

Aloe microdonta is an evergreen, succulent perennial plant with slender, procumbent stems up to 100cm long proliferating from the base of the plant. Each stem is topped by a rosette of around 16 leaves that are 50 - 70cm long and around 10cm wide at their base[]. The plant produces suckers to eventually form a large clump[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

East tropical Africa - Somalia to eastern Kenya.

Habitat

Sandy soils, or on limestone in open Acacia-Commiphora bushland; at elevations from 60 - 500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
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 exudate is dissolved in water and drunk to treat jaundice[]. The sap is used to treat jaundice[].
The leaf juice is applied topically to cure skin diseases[].

The leaf exudate contains aloin A and B, and microdontin A and B[].

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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