Common Name:

General Information

Aloe divaricata is an evergreen, succulent shrub with a sparsely-branched stem that is usually 2 - 3 metres tall, occasionally up to 6 metres. The leaves, which are up to 65cm long and 7cm wide at their base, are produced in rosettes at the end of each branch[].
All Madagascan Aloe species used as medicine are collected from the wild - this species is considered to have the highest exudate production. This dehydrated exudate, known as 'Madagascar Aloes', has been an important article in local and international trade[].

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

Africa - Madagascar.

Habitat

Mostly found in arid bush vegetation on sandy soils and in coastal thickets, at elevations up to 800 metres[]. In dense bush it can grow with a simple stem up to 6 metres long[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are not very tolerant of even light frosts[].
Succeeds in full sun and in light shade[].. Found in sandy soils in the wild[]. 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 leaves, and their sap, are oxytocic and purgative[, ]. A decoction of the leaves or the leaf sap is applied internally and externally to improve the healing of bone fractures[, ].

The plant (part not specified) is used in the treatment of venereal diseases[].

The internationally traded product ‘Madagascar Aloes’ contains 15 - 40% anthrone 10-C-glucosides (anthraquinone derivatives) such as aloin, hydroxyaloins and sometimes aloinoside. Aloin and aloinoside are both mixtures of stereoisomers. Aloin is responsible for the laxative properties[]. On a dry weight basis the exudate of Aloe divaricata contains 18.5% aloin, and the leaf 3%[].
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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