Common Name:

General Information

Aloe steudneri is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant that can be solitary, or can produce offsets along the stout stem to form a clump of growth. The stem is usually short but can often be trailing and up to 125cm long and 6 - 7cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a dye.
Given the threats to the natural habitat from the increasing human population in Ethiopia, this species could potentially be assessed as Vulnerable. However, given that it occurs in steep rocky places, the degree of impact from human activity is probably minimal, hence the plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' 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 - Eritrea, Ethiopia.

Habitat

Very steep slopes and cliff faces, sometimes where these are wet seasonally, at elevations from 2,825 - 3,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.00 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 red dye is obtained from the plant (part not specified)[].

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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