Common Name:

General Information

Aloe elgonica is an evergreen, succulent shrub with erect or decumbent stems that can be 1 metre or more long; the stems branch from the base, often forming large, dense clumps. Each stem is topped by a rosette of leaves.
We have yet to find references to the traditional uses of this plant, but it is one of several species that is often harvested from the wild as a source of 'bitter aloes', which have a range of medicinal uses and are sold to wholesalers for international trade.
The plant has become vulnerable due to harvesting for medicinal purposes[].

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 - Kenya.

Habitat

Rocky, grass-covered slopes; at elevations from 1,980 - 2,380 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	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 plant is harvested from the wild as a source of bitters for sale[].

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[].
The leaf exudate contains aloe-emodin, aloenin, aloesin, aloeresin B and homonataloin[].

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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