Common Name:

General Information

Aloe parvibracteata is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant forming a compact, flattened rosette that spreads widely. The plant is stemless, or with very short stems up to 5cm long; it suckers freely to form large clumps[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a dye.

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 - Mozambique, Swaziland, S. Africa.

Habitat

Grassland with scattered trees and shrubs, often in seasonally swampy areas or near water-courses, at elevations up to 200 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.15 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 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

A yellow dye is obtained from the roots[].

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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