Common Name:

General Information

Aloe sinkatana is a stemless, evergreen, succulent, perennial plant producing a dense rosette of 16 - 20 leaves. The plant usually produces suckers to form clumps of growth[].
It is valued as an ornamental[].
Aloe sinkatana has a very small native range, occurring in a very arid region of Sudan where rainfall can be erratic. Given that the species appears to occur along temporary water courses, changes in rainfall pattern and amounts might pose a significant threat to this species. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' 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

Tropical Africa - northeast Sudan.

Habitat

Flat sandy stony khors and wadis (small to larger ephemeral water-courses) and sometimes with Euphorbia abyssinica and Dracaena ombet nearby. It does not appear to grow on rocky slopes[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.00 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

Local people harvest sap from plants to produce a medicine against stomach troubles[].

Both the leaves and leaf exudate are valued for treating a variety of ailments, including skin diseases, constipation, fever, tonsillitis, haemorrhoids and inflamed colon[].

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[].
Suckers

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