Common Name:

General Information

Aloe lomatophylloides is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant growing up to 40cm tall and producing a single, short, decumbent, unbranched stem. The stem is topped by a lax rosette of erect to spreading leaves that are each up to 75cm long and 8cm wide at their base[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is widely grown as an ornamental[].
Harvesting from the wild for medicinal and ornamental uses, plus habitat destruction, have devastated the population of Aloe lomatophylloides. Whereas it was common in the 19th century, its natural range is now restricted to a single reserve on Rodrigues where just 30 plants remain. It is however widely planted in botanical gardens and is grown widely as an ornamental and is therefore not immediately threatened with extinction[].

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 - Mauritius.

Habitat

The plant probably occurs on open, dry localities[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.40 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, 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 increase the menstrual flow[].
The crushed leaves are applied as a poultice to relieve muscle pain[].

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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