This name is not universally accepted, with some authorities reducing it to synonymy as part of Aloe rabaiensis[].

Common Name:

General Information

Aloe ngongensis is a succulent, evergreen shrub producing erect stems that branch from the base and can grow up to 1.5 metres tall. Each stem is topped by a crowded rosette of leaves[]..
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. The exudate is harvested from the wild for commercial use because it can be concentrated easily into a solid material suitable for trading, called 'bitters'[].

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, northeast Tanzania.

Habitat

Rocky ground, in open deciduous woodland or at the forest-edge; on red loam soil on the edges of clumps of trees; at elevations from 1,370 - 1,900 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.20 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

In order to harvest the exudate from this plant, a hole is dug in the ground and lined with a container. Cut leaves are arranged around the edge of the hole at an angle allowing the exudate to drain into the container[].
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 decoction is taken to cure an enlarged spleen. It causes vomiting and diarrhoea[].
The heated and pounded leaves are applied to swellings[].

Small portions of the root are taken as a purgative[].

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 widespread anthrone glucoside aloin A (barbaloin) is present in the exudate of this plant. The exudate also contains aloeresin-D[].
Aloin is the active ingredient in the'‘bitters' and has purgative properties[].
Other compounds of interest for their medicinal activity in this and other Aloe species are the lectins and the polysaccharides contained in the gel[].

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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