Common Name:

General Information

Aloe dawei is a succulent, evergreen shrub with erect or decumbent stems that branch and sucker from the base to form large clumps. The stems can be 1 metre or more tall and 6 - 8cm wide; each stem is topped by a rosette of leaves[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

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 - northeast DR Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda.

Habitat

In grassland and at the edge of thickets, usually by the lake shore; at elevations from 800 - 1,525 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun or in light shade[]. Established plants are fairly 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 leaf extract of is drunk to cure malaria[].
The leaf sap is used as drops to treat inflammation of the ear[].

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[].
Stem cuttings.

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