The name of this species is easily confused with Aloe ballii Reynolds, a distinct species found in Mozambique and Zimbabwe[].

Common Name:

General Information

Aloe ballyi is a succulent, evergreen tree that can grow up to 8 metres tall. The plant produces a single, unbranched stem up to 15cm in diameter and topped with a crown of leaves[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is planted as an ornamental in the streets of Nairobi, Kenya
The plant has a small natural range, and is never very common within that range. Its native habitat is extensively exploited for charcoal production and also by habitat clearance for exapnding agriculture. 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

East tropical Africa - southeast Kenya, northeast Tanzania.

Habitat

Dry deciduous bushland with Acacia and succulents and also in degraded bush on rocky hills[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
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 leaf sap is taken as a purgative, but this is potentially dangerous because it contains poisonous alkaloids[].

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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