Common Name:

General Information

Aloe chabaudii is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant producing a dense rosette of leaves, occasionally with a short stem[]. The plant suckers to form dense groups of plants[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

Fatal casualties have been reported from the use of this plant as an abortifacient, although the abortifacient activity of the infusion could not be demonstrated in tests[].
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

Eastern and southern Africa - Tanzania, southeast DR Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, S. Africa.

Habitat

On exposed rock outcrops, rocky hillsides and among rocks in Brachystegia woodland; growing on quartzite formations, granitic domes; shallow soil pockets; at elevations from 30 - 2,130 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Aloe chabaudii is tolerant of a wide range of habitats, from dry, exposed granite slopes to shady wooded slopes, or even vertical cliffs drenched in spray from waterfalls. This versatility is reflected in the species' variation, the most widespread typical form occurring on more or less exposed lower slopes of rock outcrops. Plants in shaded woodland are often larger, with dark olive-green leaves, and a taller more expanded inflorescence, with flowers varying from pink to orange or yellow[]. Plants can tolerate frosts with temperatures down to around -2°c, so long as conditions are not too wet[].
Grows best in full sun[].
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

An infusion of the leaves is taken as an abortifacient[]. Fatal casualties have been reported, although the abortifacient activity of the infusion could not be demonstrated in tests. A decoction of the leaves is taken orally as a purgative[].
Leaf sap is rubbed into scarifications on the ankle to reduce swelling. Poultry are dipped in an infusion of the leaves to kill external parasites and the leaf juice is mixed with drinking water as a cure for poultry with blood in their faeces. Cattle are drenched with the leaf infusion to cure diarrhoea[].

An infusion of the roots is taken to overcome nausea. A root decoction is drunk to treat blood in the urine[].

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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