Common Name:

General Information

Aloe rivae is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant producing a solitary rosette of long, spear-shaped leaves up to 8cm wide at their base. The plant is usually stemless, but with age can develop a procumbent to ascending stem up to 60cm long[, , ].
Aloe rivae is harvested from the wild for local use and for trading[].
Aloe rivae is a widespread and locally abundant species in East Africa. It is likely to be affected by habitat loss and fragmentation but futher studies would be needed to assess the impact. The species is used by local people and in trade and is, for the present, 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 - southern Ethiopia, northern Kenya.

Habitat

Margins of deciduous woodland and Juniperus forest, sometimes on rocky outcrops; rocky slopes with very open deciduous bushland and grass; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants can tolerate light frosts[].
Succeeds in full sun and in light shade[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
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[]. No further details are given.

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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