Common Name:

General Information

Aloe kilifiensis is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant producing a rosette of leaves. The plant is often stemless though with age can develop a short, thick stem up to 30cm tall. The plant often produces suckers and can form small clumps[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use.
The plant has a small extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, is known from only five locations and there is continuing decline due to loss of extent and quality of habitat as a result of human activities. It is sought after by succulent collectors because of the striking flower colour, and is often grown in cultivation. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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 - southeast Kenya to northeast Tanzania.

Habitat

Acacia bushland on shale soils, on coral rocks and on white gritty soils[]. On coral rocks and white gritty soils, usually in sheltered positions in open dry bushland; at elevations from sea level to 380 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.30 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

A decoction of the leaves is taken to cure an enlarged spleen[].
The sap from the roasted leaves is applied to the skin to reduce swelling[].

The exudate is used externally to treat headache[]

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[].

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