Common Name:

General Information

Aloe rabaiensis is a succulent, evergreen, erect or sprawling, dense shrub that branches from the base; it can grow up to 2 metres tall. Each stem is topped by a lax rosette of leaves that can each be 30 - 45cm long and 3 - 8cm wide at the base[, ].
The exudate is commonly harvested from the wild because it can be concentrated easily into a solid material suitable for trading, called 'bitters'[]. The plant is grown as an ornamental[].
The species has a very large extent of occurrence, and although the measured area of occupancy is small, it is likely to exceed that given the number of additional sight records, there is some decline due to collection for aloe gel and by succulent collectors. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Combined with Acokanthera schimperi, the exudate is part of an arrow poison made by the Giriama people of the coast of Kenya[].
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 - southern Somalia, Kenya, northern Tanzania.

Habitat

Coastal areas in dry Acacia-Commiphora bushland on sandy soils[]. Sandy soil in open bushland, at elevations up to 500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

In order to harvest the exudate from Aloe rabaiensis, a hole is dug in the ground and lined with a container. Cut leaves are arranged around the edge of the hole at an angle allowing the exudate to drain into the container[].
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

A leaf decoction is taken to cure an enlarged spleen. It causes vomiting and diarrhoea[].
The heated and pounded leaves are applied to swellings[].

Small portions of the root are taken as a purgative[].

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[].
The widespread anthrone glucoside aloin A (barbaloin) is present in the exudate of Aloe rabaiensis. The exudate also contains aloeresin-D[].
Aloin is the active ingredient in the'‘bitters' and has purgative properties[].
Other compounds of interest for their medicinal activity in this and other Aloe species are the lectins and the polysaccharides contained in the gel[].

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[].
Cuttings.

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