Common Name:

General Information

Aloe pulcherrima is an evergreen, succulent perennial shrub with a prostrate of pendant habit. It produces a rosette of leaves on top of a usually unbranched stem that can be up to 1 metre long and 8cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is increasingly being cultivated in gardens[]. Is this for ornamental or medicinal use?[].
The main threat to this species comes from habitat degradation and destruction caused by human activities, particularly agricultural expansion, heavy grazing and harvesting for medicinal use[, ]. Soil erosion is also an issue in the region. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' 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 - Ethiopia.

Habitat

Fairly inaccessible places on steep basalt slopes, or cliffs with sparse cover of evergreen bushland; at elevations from 2,400 - 2,750 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.75 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, 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 plant is used medicinally[]. We have no further information.

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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