Common Name:

General Information

Aloe hereroensis is a succulent, evergreen, perennial plant producing a dense rosette of erect leaves about 50cm wide. The plant is usually stemless, but older plants can develop a very short stem, the plant can sucker to form small clumps[, ].
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

Southern Africa - Angola, Namibia, Botswana, S. Africa.

Habitat

Exposed, dry, rocky slopes at elevations around 900 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.75 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in ight shade[]. Requires a well-drained soil[].
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

A leaf infusion is taken to treat digestive problems, chest and heart pains, urinary incontinence and venereal diseases[].
The leaf sap is used to cure eye problems[].

Both leaf sap and roots are used to treat gonorrhoea[].

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[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is half of 100?